Bayer MaterialScience Advances Polycarbonate Automotive Glazing
New primer for hardcoating polycarbonate translates into more efficient application, improved abrasion resistance and weatherability
Pittsburgh, July 31, 2008 -- BayVision(TM), Bayer MaterialScience's (BMS) new strategic thrust in the automotive glazing business, combines its cutting-edge initiatives in glazing raw materials, plastics processing and comprehensive development, and engineering resources into one product and service package that is closely tailored to the needs of each individual customer.
Throughout the industry, automotive OEMs and suppliers are achieving significant gains in weight reduction and three-dimensional styling by using BMS' Makrolon® polycarbonate resin instead of glass.
"With BayVision(TM), we are launching a brand that pools all of our competence in the field of automotive glazing," said Bruce Benda, head, NAFTA Polycarbonate Glazing, BMS. "Customers get a comprehensive package for automotive glazing from a single source."
A milestone in the development of this full-service glazing capability is the BMS partnership with Momentive Performance Materials of Leverkusen, Germany. Momentive is developing SHP 470 FT 2050, a new primer system for hardcoating polycarbonate components used in exterior applications. The resulting components enjoy excellent weatherability and scratch resistance.
"We found that this primer is also very compatible with AS 4700, an established Momentive topcoat for polycarbonate applications, and is much easier to apply than the products used previously. Trials with our Makrolon AG 2677 polycarbonate resin, a transparent polycarbonate tailored for automotive glazing, support these claims, said Benda, who notes that this new development is particularly beneficial for large automotive panoramic roofs, which can be hardcoated more easily and more economically.
In a two-step process, the primer coat is applied first, followed by the AS 4700 polysiloxane-based topcoat, to provide abrasion resistance and weatherability.
The polysiloxane-based topcoat is currently used to coat sheets of Makrolon AG 2677 polycarbonate resin in numerous applications. With identical application conditions and solids content, the new primer offers significantly better weather resistance than formulations with the primers used previously.
The two-step process offered by BMS offers automotive OEMs the ability to incorporate polycarbonate glazing more efficiently and cost effectively than is possible with competing glazing technologies.
Transparent surfaces are becoming a hot styling cue in automotive design, a trend that is expected to increase significantly over the next few years. Compared with glass, the main advantage of polycarbonate as a glazing material is that it offers designers greater freedom, while cutting weight by up to 50 percent, which leads to reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At the same time, it lowers the vehicle's center of gravity and improves driving performance.
"The new primer gives producers of automotive glazing made from Makrolon AG 2677 polycarbonate resin greater flexibility with respect to the hardcoating of their components," explains Volkhard Krause, global head of the Automotive Glazing team, BMS." Our goal is to turn our project partners' visions into reality. For us, that means providing continuous support, from the original idea all the way to full-scale implementation."
About BayVision(TM)
Under its new BayVision(TM) umbrella brand, BMS offers an integrated service for automotive glazing that encompasses the entire process chain inclusive of material, processing, analysis and design support. What's more, the underlying technologies are constantly being improved. These superior glazing concepts are supported by BMS' comprehensive expertise, and its close and trust-based collaboration with customers. The BayVision(TM) brand is a complete package that primarily stands for one thing: competence in glazing.
About Momentive Performance Materials
Momentive Performance Materials is a subsidiary of Momentive Performance Materials Inc., based in Wilton, Conn. Momentive is among the world's leading suppliers of silicones and their derivatives, and is a global leader in the production and development of quartz and specialty ceramics.
About Bayer MaterialScience
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with nearly 15,400 employees at 30 sites around the world and 2007 sales of 10.4 billion euros. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Our inorganic basic chemicals unit produces chlorine and related essential products for the chemicals industry. Let us give life to your vision. Bayer MaterialScience -- Where VisionWorks.
Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, an international health care, nutrition and high-tech materials group based in Leverkusen, Germany. In North America, Bayer had 2007 net sales of 8.1 billion euros and employed 16,800 at year end. Bayer's three subgroups, Bayer HealthCare, Bayer CropScience and Bayer MaterialScience, improve people's lives through a broad range of essential products that help diagnose, prevent and treat diseases; protect crops and enhance yields; and advance automobile safety and durability.
For more information about Makrolon AG 2677 polycarbonate resin or other products from Bayer MaterialScience, call 1-800-662-2927, e-mail naftainfo@bayerbms.com or visit www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com.
