Spanish energy and petrochemicals group Repsol (Madrid; www.repsol.com) is developing technology to manufacture “smart surfaces” using automotive grade polyolefins with Finland’s TactoTek (Oulu; www.tactotek.com), which uses the “in-mould structural electronics” (IMSE) process to integrate printed electronics and standard electronic components in injection-moulded parts. The two companies seek to expand the use of polyolefins in high-performance applications such as smart surfaces, which have only been made using other plastics.

Using the process with polyolefins intended mainly for the automotive sector represents an innovation in materials that enables new design and integration opportunities for different vehicle parts, Repsol said. Printed electronics can create many features, including circuitry, capacitive touch controls, proximity sensors and antennae.