. Sustainable lightweight solutions for the automotive industry.
. New polymer blend for car body parts is made from recyclate materials.
Leverkusen, March 2011 – Bayer MaterialScience is set to unveil the new Makroblend® GR 235M grade for car body parts at this year’s VDI Conference “Plastics in Automotive Engineering” in Mannheim, Germany, on April 6-7. This polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer blend is made from recyclate materials. Another highlight of Bayer MaterialScience´s presence is a joint presentation with BMW on the latest developments in the DirectSkinning / DirectCoating technology.

“Societal megatrends are driving the need for new concepts in mobility,” said Dr. Guenter Hilken, member of the Executive Committee of Bayer MaterialScience. “We are constantly striving for developing more efficient and sustainable materials and solutions to support our partners along the automotive value chain.” Bayer MaterialScience already offers a broad range of solutions for lightweight constructions, and is also active in developing new solutions for e-mobility, such as in battery housings and thermal management of automotive interiors.

In a joint presentation at the conference Rainer Protte from Bayer MaterialScience and Andreas Gänsbacher from BMW will report on recent developments in the DirectSkinning / DirectCoating technology. This technology combines the injection molding of thermoplastics with the reaction injection molding process for polyurethane processing. The coated component is produced directly on the injection-molding machine in a single mold, in a process comparable to multi-component injection molding. Various colors are possible. Serial production of the BMW 5 Gran Turismo decorative panel for a kinematic drawer is already in place.

During the congress, Bayer MaterialScience will also showcase various prototype exhibits at its booth (Booth 32). These include a one-part prototype center console featuring a high-gloss, scratch-resistant matte surface using high-pressure forming (HPF). Other prototypes include a complete, single-part tailgate with integrated backlite made from polycarbonate, as well as polyurethane composite roof modules and other automotive applications.

This news release is available for download from the Bayer MaterialScience press server at www.press.bayerbms.com.

About Bayer MaterialScience:
With 2010 sales of EUR 10.2 billion, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world’s largest polymer companies. 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 and the sports and leisure industries. At the end of 2010, Bayer MaterialScience had 30 production sites and employed approximately 14,400 people around the globe. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company.

Find more information at www.bayermaterialscience.com