Bayer MaterialScience Selected to Receive Department of Energy Grant to Support Wind Turbine Blade Research and Testing Using Carbon Nanotube Technology
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Pittsburgh, July 30, 2009 - Bayer MaterialScience LLC was selected to receive a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support development and testing of advanced composite technologies and resin infusion processes for larger, more efficient and more powerful 1.5+ megawatt wind turbine blades. The project, "Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polyurethane Composites for Wind Turbine Blades," is an initiative to help accelerate development of advanced wind turbines, with a focus on overcoming technology barriers to broader application.
Bayer MaterialScience will focus on materials innovations that can help harness the wind and optimize wind turbine performance to support the electric power grid. The project further strengthens Bayer MaterialScience's commitment to sustainability, joining such other company programs as Product Stewardship, Sustainability Council, and Bayer Global Climate Challenge, as well as its participation in the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care® initiative.
"We are excited by this opportunity to apply progressive lightweight composite technologies for use in the wind energy industry," said Mike Gallagher, Director, Government Services Group, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. "The program puts our advanced materials to the test to advance wind energy as a commercially viable renewable energy solution."
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 15,100 employees at 30 sites around the world and 2008 sales of 9.7 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.
Contact:
Bill Allan, Phone: 412-777-5200
E-mail: bill.allan@bayerbms.com
For more information about Bayer MaterialScience materials, call 1-800-662-2927, e-mail naftainfo@bayerbms.com or visit www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com.
