Abstract: A vehicle charging system may include a charging plug including at least one handle cover covering at least a portion of the plug, and a vehicle charge receptacle configured to receive the plug, the plug and receptacle comprising a thermally conductive and electrically insulative material of at least one polymer and at least one ceramic to transfer heat generated during charging through the plug portion and receptacle into the vehicle body for dissipation.

Abstract: A composite material includes polypropylene in an amount between 60 wt. % and 95 wt. %, glass bubbles in an amount between 3.0 wt. % and 20.0 wt. %, a secondary structural filler of magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite in an amount greater than 0.0 wt. % and up to 30.0 wt. %, and at least one additive. In one form of the composite material, the secondary structural filler is either magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite. In another form the magnesium oxysulfate is in an amount between 2.0 wt. % and 6.0 wt. %. in yet another form the wollastonite is in an amount between 6.0 wt. % and 12.0 wt. %.

Abstract: An iridescent vehicle badge (and methods for making it) that includes a translucent, polymeric badge having a non-planar shape and comprising an interior and an exterior surface. Further, at least one of the surfaces of the badge comprises a plurality of diffraction gratings that are integral with the badge, each having a thickness from 250 nm to 1000 nm and a varying period from 50 nm to 5 microns. In some cases, the thickness can range from 500 nm to 750 nm. The period, in some cases, can vary within a set of discrete values in one or more portions of the at least one of the surfaces of the badge, e.g., from 150 nm to 400 nm.

Abstract: A vehicle running board assembly includes, among other things, a tubular support member extending longitudinally along an axis. The tubular support member is formed of a reinforced polymer-based material. The assembly further includes a bonding layer formed of an unfilled polymer-based material. The bonding layer is disposed along a radially outer surface of the tubular support member. The assembly further includes a decorative film secured directly to a radially outer surface of the bonding layer.

Abstract: A window including a layer of optically clear structural polymer core and two layers of optically clear silicone applied to first and second sides of the core. A method is disclosed for manufacturing a window that comprises injection molding a layer of optically clear structural polymer and solidifying the structural polymer core. Optically clear silicone is then injected onto the entire surface of both of the first and second sides of the optically clear structural polymer core.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system may include a charging plug including at least one handle cover covering at least a portion of the plug, and a vehicle charge receptacle configured to receive the plug, the plug and receptacle comprising a thermally conductive and electrically insulative material of at least one polymer and at least one ceramic to transfer heat generated during charging through the plug portion and receptacle into the vehicle body for dissipation.

Abstract: A material includes a base polymer, cellulose fibers dispersed through the base polymer, a pigment coloring the base polymer and the cellulose fibers, and a sealant selected from epoxidized soybean oil and polyolefin. The sealant coats and seals the cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a substrate. A first conductor is positioned on the substrate. A dielectric layer is coupled to the first conductor. A semiconductor layer is configured to emit a first light. A second conductor is coupled to the semiconductor layer. A polymeric layer comprising a photoluminescent element coupled to the second conductor. The photoluminescent element is configured to emit a second light in response to receiving the first light.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a substrate. A first conductor is positioned on the substrate. A dielectric layer is coupled to the first conductor. A semiconductor layer is configured to emit a first light. A second conductor is coupled to the semiconductor layer. A polymeric layer comprising a photoluminescent element coupled to the second conductor. The photoluminescent element is configured to emit a second light in response to receiving the first light.

Abstract: A removable roof rail assembly for a motor vehicle includes a roof rail and latch assembly for securing the roof rail to the motor vehicle. The latch assembly includes a push button actuator to conveniently and efficiently release the latch assembly and allow one to remove the roof rail from the motor vehicle. A related method for selectively securing a roof rail to and removing a roof rail from the motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A composite material includes polypropylene in an amount between 60 wt. % and 95 wt. %, glass bubbles in an amount between 3.0 wt. % and 20.0 wt. %, a secondary structural filler of magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite in an amount greater than 0.0 wt. % and up to 30.0 wt. %, and at least one additive. In one form of the composite material, the secondary structural filler is either magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite. In another form the magnesium oxysulfate is in an amount between 2.0 wt. % and 6.0 wt. %. in yet another form the wollastonite is in an amount between 6.0 wt. % and 12.0 wt. %.

Abstract: A composite material is provided. The composite material includes a polypropylene blend, at least one additive, and at least one structural filler in an amount between 1.0 wt. % and 10.0 wt. %. The polypropylene blend includes a homopolymer polypropylene having a minimum ASTM D638 tensile strength of 4,000 psi in an amount between 40 wt. % and 70 wt. %, a high crystallinity homopolymer polypropylene having a minimum ASTM D638 tensile strength of 6,000 psi in an amount between 5 wt. % and 30 wt. %, and an impact copolymer having a rubber content greater than zero and less than 30 wt. %, the impact copolymer being in an amount between 3 wt. % and 10 wt. %.

Abstract: An iridescent vehicle badge (and methods for making it) that includes a translucent, polymeric badge having a non-planar shape and comprising an interior and an exterior surface. Further, at least one of the surfaces of the badge comprises a plurality of diffraction gratings that are integral with the badge, each having a thickness from 250 nm to 1000 nm and a varying period from 50 nm to 5 microns. In some cases, the thickness can range from 500 nm to 750 nm. The period, in some cases, can vary within a set of discrete values in one or more portions of the at least one of the surfaces of the badge, e.g., from 150 nm to 400 nm.

Abstract: A method of making an iridescent, vehicular trim assembly is provided that includes: molding a polymeric base comprising an exterior surface; and over-molding an element over at least a portion of the exterior surface. The element comprises a polymeric, translucent material and an exterior surface with an integral diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nanometers to 5 microns. Further, the molding can be conducted such that the polymeric base is molded with a tint. The method can also include forming a plated region over the exterior surface of the base. In addition, the method can also include cleaning the plated region with a plasma-etching process before the over-molding.

Abstract: A high heat polymer with improved sound deadening properties is provided. The material includes recycled PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) as its base polymer and combination of mineral fillers and fibers to improve heat deflection temperatures and to create a barrier within the polymer that blocks noise. The material uses use a combination of basalt fibers and mica to provide improved resistance to heat and improved elastic modulus and significant dampening of sound. The high heat performance and improved sound attenuation of the material enables the deletion of heat shields and added NVH pads to many under body and under-hood parts, as well as significantly reducing the material cost and weight in automobiles.

Abstract: A composite material is provided that includes a polypropylene material, a rubber material, a heat stabilizer in an amount between 0.25 wt. % and 3.0 wt. %, a coupling agent in an amount between 1.0 wt. % and 5.0 wt. %, and reinforcements in an amount between 5.0 wt. % and 40 wt. %. The polypropylene material is a recycled polypropylene material in an amount between 50 wt. % and 85 wt. %, while the rubber material is a recycled tire rubber material in an amount between 2.0 wt. % and 30 wt. %. The reinforcements may include fibers of glass, carbon, and recycled carbon fibers. Other forms of the composite material further include a flow enhancer in an amount between 0.01 wt. % and 2.0 wt. %.

Abstract: A composite material is provided. The composite material includes a polypropylene blend, at least one additive, and at least one structural filler in an amount between 1.0 wt. % and 10.0 wt. %. The polypropylene blend includes a homopolymer polypropylene having a minimum ASTM D638 tensile strength of 4,000 psi in an amount between 40 wt. % and 70 wt. %, a high crystallinity homopolymer polypropylene having a minimum ASTM D638 tensile strength of 6,000 psi in an amount between 5 wt. % and 30 wt. %, and an impact copolymer having a rubber content greater than zero and less than 30 wt. %, the impact copolymer being in an amount between 3 wt. % and 10 wt. %.

Abstract: A vehicle running board includes opposing vertical walls extending along a length of a tubular structure and including a carbon-fiber component. Opposing horizontal walls extend between the opposing vertical walls and include a glass component. The opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls form the tubular structure having a generally rectilinear cross section. A polymer outer covering extends over the opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls.

Abstract: A removable roof rail assembly for a motor vehicle includes a roof rail and latch assembly for securing the roof rail to the motor vehicle. The latch assembly includes a push button actuator to conveniently and efficiently release the latch assembly and allow one to remove the roof rail from the motor vehicle. A related method for selectively securing a roof rail to and removing a roof rail from the motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces, a decorative film positioned on the first surface of the substrate, and an over-mold positioned over the film. The over-mold defines at least one diffraction grating and a light source is positioned proximate the second surface of the substrate. The light source is configured to emit light through the substrate and the over-mold.