Dongfeng Motor R&D Partnership: Aerogel-PET Composite Achieves 43% Thermal Conductivity Reduction

Dongfeng Motor's Material and Process Technology Center partnered with our company to develop an aerogel composite insulation felt, targeting a measurable leap in thermal performance over conventional automotive PET fiber materials. Standard PET fiber felts face growing limitations as vehicle energy efficiency and cabin comfort requirements tighten. Dongfeng's team identified thermal conductivity as the primary improvement target, requiring a composite that retained PET's flexibility and processing compatibility while delivering substantially better insulation. The development achieved a thermal conductivity reduction from 0.035 W/(m·K) on the original PET base to 0.020 W/(m·K) on the aerogel composite, a 43% improvement. This directly reduces heat transfer through body and floor structures, lowering HVAC energy demand and improving overall vehicle energy economy across both conventional and electrified platforms. The composite maintains PET's lightweight and flexible characteristics, integrating with existing automotive manufacturing processes without production line modifications. Prototype samples are currently undergoing vehicle loading testing at Dongfeng's technology center to verify road performance, durability under vibration and thermal cycling, and long-term dimensional stability in real automotive operating environments.