Visteon Global Technolgoies, Inc.

Beth M Wichterman

Rose Ann Ryntz

Gerald Arthur Heath

Daniel Ryan Malwitz

Arthur Single

A thermoplastic olefin resin composition having improved resistance to surface impacts, such as scratching, marring and gouging, is provided. The thermoplastic olefin resin comprises a blend of polyolefin alloy and polyamide components. The components have relative melt flow rates such that the polyamide component is selectively segregated toward the front of a melt flow. A compatibilizing agent is added to overcome the natural incompatibility of the polyolefin alloy and polyamide components of the resin. The thermoplastic olefin resin may further include a filler material when increased stiffness or modulus is desired.

Surface properties in thermoplastic olefin alloys

Method of making an automotive latch handle intended for operation by manually pulling fingertips across a margin of the handle; it includes the steps of: a) molding a latch handle of a first essentially rigid plastic defining an area support for the margin, which plastic when fully solidified and cured has a stiffness of 0.8-5.8 GPa and a durometer ratio of 710,000 shore A; and b) overmolding the support area of the first plastic with a second plastic to define the margin, which margin when fully solidified and cured defines a finger gripping pad that has a stiffness of <0.01 GPa and a durometer ratio in the range of 35-85 shore A. An automotive latch handle structure that comprises: a) a generally flat paddle having means facilitating linear or pivotal movement, the paddle having been formed by molding of a first essentially rigid plastic with a stiffness of 0.8-5.8 Gpa; and b) an integrally overmolded second plastic defining a gripping pad for the fingers, the pad being molded to a margin of the paddle at least along one edge.

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Saline, MI, United States of America

Beth M Wichterman