The motor industry has long lacked an efficient and environmentally friendly material for sound insulation inside cars. Now it exists. Mats made with the natural mineral magnetite (iron oxide) solve the problems of current technology with one stroke and can be used directly in existing production plant, according to the company Minelco.

Noise from engines and tyres is today sound insulated using mats made from polymers and minerals, such as baryte, calcium carbonate or dolomite. This combination of materials hinders the recycling of the cars. According to the EU, 85 percent of the car's weight should be recycled as of 2005, and 95 percent as of 2015.
Magnetite is paramagnetic, i e a magnet attracts the material. It can therefore easily be sorted using a magnet after scrapping, and then be sent to the iron and steel industry or the cement industry. The polymer would then function as a reductant and fuel, while the magnetite provides iron.
"In other words, the material is completely recyclable", says Bob Boulton at Minelco Ltd.

Environmentally friendly and efficient
Magnetite has a higher density compared to traditional minerals. It provides the same sound insulation in the mats, but in a considerably thinner layer. Less polymer is required in the production and the machines can produce the thinner layers at a higher speed.
"The unique thing about magnetite is that it improves the technical characteristics, while at the same time improving cost efficiency and fulfilling future environmental requirements", says Bob Boulton.
One of the largest manufacturers of medium sized cars in Northern Europe uses the magnetite mats. Good environmental performance and good overall economy have meant that the mats have been fitted to the company's prestige models since last year.
Minelco is a subsidiary of the Swedish mining company LKAB, which produces the raw material. Minelco co-operates with a number of research and development institutions in the development of new applications for magnetite, and has its own subsidiaries in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Caption: The motor industry now has the opportunity to use sound insulating mats made from the natural raw material magnetite (iron oxide). According to the manufacturer Minelco, the material is completely recyclable.

For further information, please contact:
MD Bob Boulton, Minelco Ltd
P O Box 268
Welton, Lincoln LN2 3BX, England
Tel: 01673-861 951, Fax: 01673-862 707
E-mail: sales@minelco.demon.co.uk
Website: www.minelco.com

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