- New foam grade Basotect G+ with improved emission profile
BASF is increasing its range of the melamine resin foam Basotect® with a grade offering improved ecological properties. The new grade is called Basotect G+. With its extremely low emissions it meets the current human ecology requirements of the Öko-Tex® Standard 100 in product class II for textiles with direct skin contact. The foam, which is used for sound absorption in buildings, is therefore classed as harmless to health in application and processing. This means that no harmful substances are absorbed through the skin on direct contact.

In addition to the proven properties of Basotect G, such as low thermal conductivity, flame retardance and simple, mineral fiber-free processing, the new material also has advantages for interior decorators and designers. The light reflectance value of the considerably lighter Basotect G+ is more than 30 percent higher than that of the light gray Basotect G. This makes it easier for example to plan interior decoration and lighting because the foam hardly absorbs any light and reflects it very well.

In order to determine its ecological profile, an independent test institute examined Basotect G+ for potentially harmful substances such as heavy metals, prohibited azo dyes, formaldehyde, organic tin compounds, chlorinated benzenes and phenols, perfluorinated compounds and plasticizers. The emission of volatile organic substances was also checked in order to prevent that harmful substances have an unduly impact on the air. The results for the new Basotect grade were well below the limit values.

In the U.S., Basotect G+ meets the tight requirements of the California Specification 01350 for materials in classrooms and offices, when 50 percent of the ceiling is covered with panels made of Basotect G+.

Öko-Tex Standard 100
The Öko-Tex Standard 100 is a globally uniform testing and certification system for textile raw materials, intermediates and end products for all processing stages which aims to completely eliminate any harmful substances. The tests for harmful substances include those prohibited or regulated by law, harmful chemicals and parameters to safeguard health. Testing is conducted by independent textile research and test institutes. The certificate can be identified by the slogan "Confidence in Textiles", the test number and test institute.

Basotect – jack of all trades
Basotect is an open-cell foam based on melamine resin with a unique property profile. Because of its base material it is flame-retardant (in Germany: B1 acc. to DIN 4102) and can be used at up to 240°C, retaining its properties over a wide range of temperatures. Because of its open-cell foam structure, it is light (9 g/l), flexible even at low temperatures, sound-absorbing and thermally insulating. Basotect G is used mainly for sound absorption and thermal insulation in areas with enhanced fire safety requirements, e.g. in buildings, cars and trains.

Additional information is available at www.basotect.com.
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