Renault Nissan RNES-B-00090 Test Method - Chemical Resistance for Plastic Materials and Parts

The “Renault Nissan RNES-B-00090 Test Method - Chemical Resistance (Appearance Inspection) for Plastic Materials and Parts” standard, a Renault Nissan engineering standard, is a specialized standard focusing on the chemical resistance and color fastness of plastic and rubber materials used in vehicles. In the automotive industry, such engineering standards are used to ensure that interior and exterior materials can withstand daily wear and tear, exposure to cleaning agents, and environmental stressors without loss of appearance or function.

This standard is an engineering standard that is part of the common RNES series used by the Renault Nissan alliance and specifies a test method for evaluating the chemical resistance of plastics, rubber (vulcanized or thermoplastic) and related materials and parts used in vehicles. Specifically referred to as Method 2, this standard involves testing the material resistance to exposure to various chemicals such as fluids, cleaners, fuels, or lubricants that automotive components may encounter during use or maintenance.

The primary focus of this standard is to evaluate the chemical resistance of plastic and rubber parts. Method 2 involves procedures for testing color fastness to friction, typically using a device called a crockmeter.

This standard is designed to simulate how a material's surface reacts when it comes into contact with various chemicals or is subjected to physical friction. The main areas of evaluation are:

• Color transfer: Whether the color of a plastic part bleeds onto clothing or other surfaces.
• Surface degradation: Checking for swelling, peeling, or softening of the material when exposed to liquids such as cleaning agents, oils, or fuels.
• Staining/discoloration: The material does not change color or lose its surface (glossy/matte) after chemical contact.

This standard generally applies to the following:

• Interior trim: Instrument panel plastics, door panels, and center consoles that can be cleaned with household or automotive chemicals.
• Rubber seals: Gaskets and gaskets that may come into contact with grease or engine fluids.
• Exterior plastics: Bumper covers or mirror housings that are exposed to car wash detergents and environmental pollutants.

Because this is an alliance standard, it allows suppliers to meet the requirements of both brands using a single, unified test protocol, reducing complexity in the supply chain.

Standards jointly developed by Renault and Nissan for automotive components and materials are widely used throughout the automotive supply chain to ensure parts meet defined quality, safety, durability, and performance criteria.

The RNES-B-00090 standard is a test method standard focusing specifically on chemical resistance for plastics, rubber, and related materials used in automotive parts. In other words, it defines procedures for evaluating how automotive materials react when exposed to various chemicals and liquids they might encounter in real-world use.

Chemical resistance testing helps manufacturers and suppliers verify that materials will not deteriorate in appearance or function when they come into contact with the following types of liquids:

• Engine oil
• Brake fluid
• Coolants
• Cleaning agents
• Other automotive chemicals

This is crucial for parts, both inside and outside the vehicle, that need to maintain their performance and aesthetics over time.

The key aspects of the RNES-B-00090 standard are as follows:

• Chemical resistance testing methods for plastic and rubber components.
• Procedures for evaluating changes in appearance (staining, discoloration, surface damage) after exposure to specific liquids.
• Sample preparation, exposure conditions, and criteria for pass/fail decisions.
• Classification of test results to determine whether material properties remain within acceptable limits after chemical exposure.

Automotive original equipment manufacturers such as Renault and Nissan require parts sourced from suppliers to conform to RNES standards to ensure consistency and durability across all vehicles. Common examples of use include:

• Supplier qualification: Prior to mass production, materials and parts must be tested to demonstrate that they meet the chemical resistance criteria of the RNES-B-00090 standard.
• Quality control: Production parts are periodically tested to ensure consistent compatibility.
• Design validation: Engineers use the results to select materials that will perform well throughout a vehicle's lifespan.

Vehicles are exposed to a wide variety of chemicals during both daily use and routine maintenance. Components such as interior upholstery, exterior plastics, hoses, gaskets, and seals need to be resistant to degradation.

• To maintain its appearance and visual quality.
• To prevent structural failure or loss of function.
• To ensure long-term reliability and customer satisfaction.

According to the RNES-B-00090 standard, chemical resistance testing helps identify materials that may fail prematurely due to liquid exposure, thereby reducing warranty costs and safety risks over the vehicle's lifespan.

In conclusion, the Renault Nissan RNES-B-00090 standard is a technical standard that defines how automotive plastics and rubbers should be tested for chemical resistance and appearance changes. It plays a vital role in material adequacy and quality assurance within the automotive supply chain, ensuring parts can withstand exposure to real-world automotive fluids without unacceptable degradation. This is a crucial factor for vehicle durability and customer satisfaction.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its customers, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the “Renault Nissan RNES-B-00090 Test method - Chemical resistance (appearance inspection) for plastic materials and parts” standard.