Clear advantages for automakers and the environment
This offers automakers a significant time and cost advantage, while also harboring substantial ecological savings potential: A study conducted by the project team showed this technology can reduce energy consumption by 15 percent and CO2 emissions by 10 percent compared with the best current process.The new technology is based on the use of a thermolatent hardener. After application, a coating formulated with this product initially flows unimpeded over the surface of the plastic, forming a uniform film. Not until the temperature is subsequently raised to approximately 90°C is the hardener activated. It ensures rapid curing of the coating on the plastic substrate. No significant changes to the coating formulation are required.
Meyer took the presentation of this development as an opportunity to talk with experts in the field, Dr. Michael Hilt (Fraunhofer IPA Institute) and Dr. Karl-Friedrich Dössel (Dössel Consulting), about the "Future of Automotive Coating."
Capacity expansions in China and Germany
Bayer MaterialScience remains committed to its planned global capital expenditures. The company plans to complete construction next year of a new, 50,000 tpa production facility for hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) in Caojing, China. 2016 will also see capacities for polyurethane dispersions (PUD) expanded at the Dormagen site. Over the next few years, plans for Caojing include an expansion of PUD capacities – until 2017 – and a new production facility for isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI).Market-driven innovations are a key factor contributing to future growth. "Through partnerships with customers along the value chain, we have acquired detailed knowledge about needs and trends in key customer industries," explained Meyer. "We then develop custom solutions for these markets." By so doing, the company enhances the competitiveness of its customers. Furthermore, new applications and technologies – also outside the coatings and adhesives industries – are playing an increasingly important role.
Bayer MaterialScience is aware of its global responsibility for people, society and the environment. All the company’s activities are aligned to improving people’s lives, protecting the environment and creating value, and therefore demonstrate Bayer MaterialScience’s commitment to a holistic view of sustainability.
One important area is the development of products and processes that promote greater energy- and cost-efficiency in the production and application of coatings and adhesives. Saving energy contributes to both reducing CO2 emissions and climate protection. Furthermore, Bayer MaterialScience has long championed reducing the solvent content of coatings and adhesives.
Insqin: An integrated solution concept for textile coatings
Another example of the close cooperation between Bayer MaterialScience and partners along the value chain is the new, integrated Insqin solution concept. The brand stands for a complete set of solutions from Bayer MaterialScience for textile coatings incorporating exclusively waterborne polyurethane technology. It encompasses all aspects of the process chain, from materials development to production by certified manufacturers.As part of Insqin, Bayer MaterialScience supports brand owners and inspires them in creating “magical” polyurethane-coated textiles. With its comprehensive expertise in everything from raw materials to coating technology, the company provides the ideal foundation for achieving an efficient and sustainable production process, which significantly reduces all harmful effects on man and the environment.
Bayer MaterialScience will be exhibiting at Stand No. 528 in Hall 4A at the European Coatings Show 2015 from April 21 to 23.
