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 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 method of forming a headlamp assembly includes molding a one-piece lens from a substantially clear polymer material having a slightly yellow tint. A blue dye is infused into an outer surface of the lens to a maximum depth of about 6-10 microns such that the outer surface has a blue appearance. A core of the lens is substantially clear or slightly yellow. UV stabilizers may also be infused into an outer surface portion of the polymer material. The lens and an LED light source may be positioned inside a housing have a clear side wall. The blue dye alters the appearance of the lens without significantly reducing the light-transmitting properties of the lens.

Abstract: A wiper for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a blade having an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion has an increased thermal conductivity relative to the outer portion, and the outer portion is softer than the inner portion. A method is also disclosed.

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 disclosed roof ditch molding includes a base including side portions extending from a central portion, an outer surface and an over-mold disposed over the outer surface. The over-mold defines first and second lips that extend downward transversely from the side portions of the base.

Abstract: A disclosed roof ditch molding includes a base including side portions extending from a central portion, an outer surface and an over-mold disposed over the outer surface. The over-mold defines first and second lips that extend downward transversely from the side portions of the base.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a decorative layer and an over-mold positioned over the decorative layer. The over-mold is substantially transparent. A light conversion layer is positioned on an opposite side of the decorative layer from the over-mold and configured to convert ambient illumination. A reflective layer is configured to convert ambient illumination. A reflective layer is configured to reflect light into the light conversion layer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for conductive EMI-shield housings for vehicle cameras. An example method for forming conductive EMI-shield housings for vehicle cameras includes heating a molding tool to within a predetermined range of a melting point of polymer resin, adding conductive material to the polymer resin to form impregnated resin, injecting the impregnated resin into a mold of the molding tool, and cooling the molding tool until the impregnated resin solidifies to form a conductive EMI-shield housing.

Abstract: A method for making an insulated vehicle extension dash panel includes injection molding an extension dash panel from a structural polymer. The method further includes adding a plurality of components to a mixer to form an insulating foaming layer. The plurality of components includes a two-part liquid silicone compound, a catalyst, and a foaming agent. A screw is then coupled to the mixer and the insulating foaming layer is injection molded to an inner face of the extension dash panel. The insulating foaming layer is then cured to the inner face of the extension dash panel to form the insulated vehicle extension dash panel.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for a grounded reflector for a vehicle lighting fixture with a capacitive switch. An example disclosed lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a lamp assembly, a grounded reflector, and a capacitive switch. The grounded reflector has a metal layer electrically coupled to a ground plane of the vehicle. However, the metal layer is not directly coupled to the ground plane of the vehicle. The capacitive switch is electrically coupled to the lamp assembly to control the lamp assembly based on detecting a capacitive object within a detection field.

Abstract: An exterior trim component for a vehicle is provided that includes: 39% to 45% recycled polypropylene copolymer; 27% to 43% recycled polypropylene homopolymer; 0.5% to 2.5% coupling agent; 0.01% to 0.5% flow enhancing agent; 0.5% to 1.5% coconut shell powder; 5% to 10% synthetic filler; and 3% to 17% carbon fiber (by weight). Further, the component is characterized by a flexural modulus of at least 1750 MPa. In certain aspects, the component is further characterized by a coefficient of linear thermal expansion between about 4×10?5 in/in*° C. and about 0.1×10?5 in/in*° C., as measured under the ISO 11359-2 protocol.

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 vehicle emissions system is provided that includes a tail pipe configured to emit a first emission, a heat shield positioned proximate the tail pipe having a shield substrate. A semiconductor layer is positioned on the shield substrate and configured to convert the first emission into a second emission. An overmold is positioned over the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A vehicle engine is provided that includes an exhaust manifold configured to emit a first emission. A heat shield is positioned proximate the exhaust manifold and has a shield substrate defining an aperture. An indicator is positioned over the aperture with a support substrate and a semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer is configured to absorb the first emission and emit a second emission.

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 light-emitting diode (LED) lamp is provided that includes: an LED source coupled to a housing; and a lens over the source and coupled to the housing. The lens, or a portion of the lens, includes a plurality of glass beads, each having a metal-containing coating (e.g., a coating comprising at least one of Ni, Al, Cu, In and brass) and dispersed in a polymeric matrix (e.g., an acrylic or a polycarbonate). Further, the lens has a thermal conductivity of at least about 2 W/m*K and an optical transmissivity of at least 80%.

Abstract: A running board includes an integral hollow body having a step face and a first sidewall. The integral hollow body is made from a base polymer material with continuous reinforcing fibers running from a first end to a second, opposite end of the first sidewall while the step face is made from unfilled base polymer material. A production method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making an insulated vehicle extension dash panel includes injection molding an extension dash panel from a structural polymer. The method further includes adding a plurality of components to a mixer to form an insulating foaming layer. The plurality of components includes a two-part liquid silicone compound, a catalyst, and a foaming agent. A screw is then coupled to the mixer and the insulating foaming layer is injection molded to an inner face of the extension dash panel. The insulating foaming layer is then cured to the inner face of the extension dash panel to form the insulated vehicle extension dash panel.

Abstract: A vehicle luggage rack rail includes a skin layer including a first polymeric material and defining interior and exterior surfaces. A coating is positioned on the exterior surface of the skin layer. A base layer is coupled to the interior surface and includes a second polymeric material. The base layer defines a void therein and a plurality of fibers extending through the base layer.