Trends in automotive interior materials

In recent years, mid-range sedans have been gaining popularity, and the use of nonwoven materials for automotive interior materials has become a trend. Among these, needle-punched products have attracted attention due to their low cost, high strength, lightweight, sound insulation, thermal insulation, vibration damping properties, as well as good flexibility, reliability, eco-friendliness, and appearance. Therefore, they are suitable for applications such as car sunshades, car mats, and luggage compartment linings. Currently, the most notable nonwoven materials used in car accessories are sound-absorbing and noise-reducing materials, which are replacing heavy EVA-type insulating materials.

Recyclable car nonwoven materials. Automotive interior textile fibers must meet basic recycling requirements. They should be removable, using suitable materials (avoiding environmentally harmful materials, limiting the use of multiple types of plastics, mainly using pure single types of plastics, and using recyclable materials). Recyclable automotive soundproof pads are a new type of soundproof pad that combines advantages such as low density, waste fiber felt recyclability, affordability, and energy saving. These pads are made from recycled cotton/fibers, recycled PU foam, low-melting-point fibers, polyester fabric fibers, etc., and their unique processes and technologies result in low dust content, uniform density throughout the product, excellent rebound strength and recovery properties, and mold and flame retardant resistance. Not only does the production process save energy, with waste edge scraps reusable, but the product can also be recycled after the vehicle is scrapped. More importantly, it eliminates the traditional soundproof pad process of opening up fibers, mixing, air mixing or mechanical web laying before heating and shaping, followed by secondary heating and molding cooling, thus saving resources, improving efficiency, and reducing emissions.

Needle-punched fiber felts, due to their porous structure, flexibility, and extensibility, are particularly suitable as sound-absorbing materials. However, currently, their application in noise reduction is still quite limited. We should pay attention to developing and promoting new nonwoven composite noise reduction materials, which not only enhance the economic benefits of companies but also reduce noise pollution to the environment.