Common Modification Materials for PP Color Film in Automotive Interiors

When modifying PP color film for automotive interiors, manufacturers prioritize materials that balance cost-effectiveness, tactile comfort, durability, and processing ease. Below are the most widely used options, each tailored to enhance specific properties of the film:​

1. Talc (Magnesium Silicate)​

• Core Role: The most popular choice for boosting stiffness and heat resistance without ruining the film’s soft feel.​

• Key Advantages: Low cost, easy to mix with PP resin, and keeps the film slightly flexible—matching the comfort needs of interior parts.​

• Typical Uses: Dashboard trims, door panel covers, and storage box surfaces (parts exposed to sunlight and daily touches).​

2. Calcium Carbonate​

• Core Role: A budget-friendly option for basic reinforcement, focusing on reducing shrinkage (keeping the film’s shape stable) and slightly improving impact resistance.​

• Key Advantages: Cheaper than talc, soft (no rough texture), and doesn’t affect the film’s color retention.​

• Typical Uses: Low-cost interior parts like glove box liners, seat back covers, and small trim pieces.​

3. Short-Cut Glass Fiber​

• Core Role: Ideal for parts needing extra strength and durability—enhances tensile strength (resistance to stretching) and heat resistance.​

• Key Advantages: More affordable than carbon fiber; controlled addition (10-20% of the mixture) keeps the film slightly flexible, avoiding excessive rigidity.​

• Typical Uses: High-use parts like center console trims, air vent surrounds, and door handle covers.​

4. Polyethylene (PE)​

• Core Role: Blended with PP to improve flexibility and low-temperature resistance—makes the film stretchable and less brittle in cold weather.​

• Key Advantages: Maintains a smooth, soft touch; easy to blend with PP; and preserves the film’s color.​

• Typical Uses: Curved parts like door panel covers, dashboard edge trims, and seat cushion side covers.​

5. Elastomers (e.g., EPDM, TPO)​

• Core Role: Creates an ultra-soft, rubber-like feel—prioritizes tactile comfort for parts passengers touch frequently.​

• Key Advantages: Excellent impact resistance (won’t crack easily) and good weather resistance (no hardening/fading in sunlight); more cost-effective than carbon fiber.​

• Typical Uses: Armrests, steering wheel covers, gear shift knobs, and door handle grips.​

These materials cover the main needs of automotive interior PP color film modification, from basic rigidity to premium softness, ensuring the film fits different interior parts while controlling production costs.