Dow develops silicone leather for automotive interior

Shanghai, China – Dow Inc., in partnership with Chinese electronic vehicle (EV) manufacturer Human Horizons, has developed a silicone rubber-based leather as a vegan alternative for automotive upholstery.

In developing the material, Dow applied “advanced liquid silicone rubber technology” to provide features such as stain resistance, soft touch feeling and strong weatherability, said a Human Horizon statement 24 Aug. 

The materials emit “no odour” and have low volatile organic compounds (VOC), making them safer for consumers.

To be featured in the Human Horizon's super SUV, HiPhi X, the “revolutionary silicone leather” matches consumer demands in terms of softness, moisture permeability, stability and environmental friendliness, the statement added. 

The product can be used in various applications such as automotive, yachts, aviation, medical science, furnishing and children's room.

Human Horizons and Dow entered a joint partnership in 2018 with a “cross-value-chain cooperation model.” 

Prior to the new silicone leather, the two companies worked on 12 other products, six of which are featured in the HiPhi X. 

Other innovations include new Betafoam acoustic foams for the vehicle interior to ensure outstanding noise, vibrations & harshness (NVH) in the cabin and TC thermal-conductive interface material for battery pack safety, durability, and sustainability.

"We're using our material science to innovate more sustainable solutions for our customers and the planet," said Dr Weiguang Yao, Asia Pacific CTO of Dow. 

With its ‘MobilityScience’ platform, said Yao, Dow aims to work closely with partners like Human Horizons to bring “innovative and more environmentally friendly solutions to the transportation industry."