��AV Press

Renewable raw materials for plastics production

Wed, 27 May 2020 13:03:08 +0200

and ��AV are starting a strategic cooperation in Europe to promote the use of sustainable raw materials in plastics production. ��AV will be supplied with material from renewable sources to replace a significant portion of the fossil raw materials used to date in the manufacture of polycarbonates. This type of a high-performance plastic is used, for example, in car headlamps, LED lights, electronic and medical devices and automotive glazing.

Over the short term, the collaboration aims to replace several thousand tons of fossil raw materials in the production of polycarbonates with raw materials produced with Neste’s renewable hydrocarbons. Neste produces its renewable hydrocarbons entirely from renewable raw materials, such as waste and residue oils and fats. Thanks to being a drop-in replacement to commonly-used fossil feedstock in the polymers production, Neste’s product is suitable for existing production infrastructures and enables customers like ��AV to produce more sustainable products with consistently high quality using their existing processes.

Promoting the use of sustainable materials

“The polymers and chemicals industries will play a major role in the circular economy and fight against climate change. That is why Neste is committed to supporting the industry forerunners like ��AV on their sustainability journey,” says Neste’s President and CEO Peter Vanacker. “Our collaboration enables ��AV to play a significant role in providing climate-friendlier raw materials to leading brands and help them reach their materials-related sustainability targets. With ��AV, the positive impact provided by Neste’s renewable hydrocarbons is expanded beyond the field of polyolefins, showing the product’s value and compatibility with more complex value chains.”

"With this collaboration we are emphasizing our intention to make our production more sustainable and to drive forward the change to a circular economy. Using alternative raw materials more intensively as we are doing is an important basis for this,” said ��AV´s CEO Dr. Markus Steilemann. "We are fully committed to working with many partners to manage the transition to a circular economy, the great overall social project of the coming years and decades. To this end, we are also cooperating with upstream partners such as Neste to meet our own raw material requirements from renewable sources to an even greater extent. By transforming our production, we are helping important industrial sectors such as the automotive and electronics industries achieve greater sustainability and reduce the dependence on crude oil.”

In the future, both companies intend to expand the scope of their partnership, also with regard to other types of polymers. At the same time, they are inviting other stakeholders along the value chains to cooperate.

5G – key technology for the networked world

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0200

5G is the latest generation of mobile communications and was developed to respond to private demand and the economic environment of 2020 and beyond. 5G will become the basis for a fully mobile and networked society; it is a key technology for the digitalization of all areas of life and the economy. The new technology enables close networking of devices such as cell phones, tablets, vehicles, household appliances, industrial plants and many others to form an Internet of Things (IoT).

With the installation of 5G, the demand for base stations, active antenna units (AAU) and other equipment will increase dramatically. ��AV is developing innovative and sustainable material solutions and contributing to a smart infrastructure, including sensor technologies and a digital communication environment. The company is cooperating closely with and the . ��AV will present some prototypes at . The project is part of the company´s comprehensive digitalization strategy. Together with its partners, the company is committed to achieving Goals 9 (Innovation and Infrastructure) and 11 (Sustainable Cities) of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

New telecommunications infrastructure

Polycarbonates and their blends have proven themselves in a wide range of electrical and electronic applications and, thanks to their outstanding properties, should also be the materials of choice for 5G technology: “They are mechanically robust, lightweight, transparent to radio frequencies and suitable for injection molding,” explains Fabian Grote, who is a core member of the global 5G team at ��AV. Some grades also show good weather resistance or thermal conductivity or are suitable for two-component injection molding and laser direct structuring (LDS).

To increase public acceptance of an expanded network of antennas and base stations, ��AV is working with students from the renowned Umeå Institute of Design and Deutsche Telekom to seamlessly integrate these technical facilities into the cities of the future. The project includes the development of attractive base stations, their color matching and surface structuring. Düsseldorf served as a reference city for the project.

Flexibility in antenna design

In this project ��AV will enter this market in a hypothetical scenario with its own product range. The actual product is the outer sheath of a third-party antenna, which is designed to adapt to specific environments by either fitting in or protruding from it, depending on the environment and population density. This is where the best potential can be exploited with products that deliver the technical requirements and either integrate or reinforce the character of a city with a 5G network. “At K 2019, we will be showing a series of technical and design prototypes for small cells in the frequency range of 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz,” says Grote.

When 5G technology progresses to higher frequency, e.g. the millimeter wave band, signal transmittance could become a design challenge. “We can help our customers to enjoy more design freedom while ensuring the 5G data transmittance performance with state-of-art testing capabilities in a broad frequency range of up to 50 GHz under a variety of environmental conditions, all in our Asia Pacific Innovation Center in Shanghai,” says Nan Hu, Global Head of Electronics at the Polycarbonates Segment of ��AV.

New film solution for 5G smartphones

5G technology, with its high transfer rates, will also have a significant impact on smartphone design. The antennas for 5G technology require more space. That is just one reason why metal solutions used to date for the back of devices will in future be replaced by ceramics, glass or plastics.

A Makrofol® SR multilayer film solution with acrylic top layer combined with a new manufacturing process results in mobile phone back covers that look like glass but are not fragile. “The film laminate can be formed in three dimensions, and the film solution also meets the requirements for transmission at high radio frequencies with wavelengths in the millimeter range,” explains Echol Zhao, Head of Specialty Films Greater China at ��AV.

This crystal clear, 3D formable and 5G compatible film material is specifically engineered for optimal design freedom for mobile phone brands to create fashionable mobile phones using decoration technologies such as UV patterning and non-conductive vacuum metallization (NCVM). More than 50 percent of the mobile phone market in China is currently switching to such multi-layer PC/PMMA film solutions – a sign of a promising future for the coming 5G era.

About ��AV:

With 2018 sales of EUR 14.6 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,800 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2018.

For more information please see www.covestro.com.
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports. These reports are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to make them conform to future events or developments.

��AV breaks ground on new production line in Thailand

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0100

��AV has started to build up a new manufacturing line for polycarbonate films at Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Thailand. With this new capacity, the company will serve the fast growing demand in Asia Pacific and strengthen its own position as a market leader. The project is the first step of a global capacity increase for ��AV´s film production. The total investment of more than EUR 100 million also includes an expansion of the associated infrastructure and logistics.

“Our existing films plant in Map Ta Phut has been a high-performing and valued facility,” said Dr. Thorsten Dreier, Global Head of ��AV´s Specialty Films Business, at the ground-breaking ceremony. “Our main objective with this expansion is to intensify our collaboration with customers in Asia Pacific, in particular, to improve efficiency and punctual delivery. With market-focused innovations and a stronger customer orientation we want to drive growth for ��AV.”

Thorsten Dreier added, “This is an excellent strategic fit, enabling fastest time-to-market, but also broadening our market access in Asia. Not least, we have highly-skilled employees at our existing plant, which will also ensure the success of the new project,” added Thorsten Dreier.

The existing films facility started operations in January 2007 and produces Makrofol^® polycarbonate and Bayfol^® polycarbonate blend films, which are used in industry sectors such as security and ID cards, automotive, medical, as well as electrical and electronics. It produces a selection of grades, including new optical grades, and the new facility is designed to extend the range of products in response to market demand.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Powerful and safe battery home storage

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0100

The use and storage of renewable energies is also finding increasing application in private and commercial environments: stationary home battery storage systems based on Li-ion battery technology are a market with a great future. BMZ GmbH, a leading system supplier for lithium-ion batteries, develops such battery home storage devices, which are also marketed under its own name as the EES 7.0, EES 9.0 and ESS X storage series. This means that the regenerative solar power generated in photovoltaic systems can be used in private and commercial applications more independently of the time of day and the position of the sun.

��AV supports the various BMZ battery projects with material selection, during plastic-compatible component design and with CAE-based component simulations to meet the requirements of the UN Transport Test for Batteries (UN 38.3). Further services include moldflow analyses and technical injection molding support.

"Every battery project is technically demanding, which is why I am all the more pleased that plastics from ��AV can make an important contribution here," explains Jens Ufermann from ��AV, who looks after BMZ GmbH locally, adding: "Together with customers like BMZ, we are working on sustainable product and application developments to master the challenges of future battery technologies."

High requirements for stationary and mobile applications

Similar to battery systems for mobile applications such as cars, buses, scooters and pedelecs, energy density and safety are important aspects in the development of battery products for stationary use, as is the case with BMZ GmbH's energy storage systems.

"Our in-depth understanding of the diverse applications of battery systems and our many years of experience in materials for battery applications enable us to provide our customers with both technical expertise and suitable products," says Dr. Julian Marschewski, Market Development Manager in Electric Vehicle Battery Packaging.

Polycarbonate blends with tailored properties

Bayblend^® (PC+ABS) blends from ��AV play an important role in both mobile and stationary battery applications, for example in placing individual cylindrical battery cells in 18650 or 21700 format in a cell holder. To achieve this, the material must have excellent mechanical properties, above all high impact strength, but also high flowability in order to achieve the thinnest possible walls between the individual battery cells when manufacturing the cell holders through injection molding.

Additional safety in later use is provided by the incorporation of flame retardant grades that meet the high flame retardancy standards of Underwriters Laboratories according to category UL 94 V-0.

Broad range of products

The ��AV portfolio for battery applications continues to evolve. For cell holders for holding cylindrical battery cells, pouch cell frames, battery housings and similar applications the focus is on both unfilled (, ) and mineral-filled (, ) along with glass-fiber-reinforced () flame retardant Bayblend^®products. ��AV also offers thermally conductive polycarbonate grades of the Makrolon^® TC product family that can contribute to battery thermal management.

Film solutions for forgery-proof ID documents

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0100

From November 27- 29, 2018, the card and ID card industry will meet again in Cannes in southern France to present their latest developments at the TRUSTECH trade fair. ��AV has more than 30 years of experience in the field of material solutions for manufacturers of ID cards.

At booth number A 043 in the Riviera hall, the company will present an integrated passport concept comprising innovative technologies based on specialty films. They offer improved properties for security card manufacturing and in particular enable new applications against counterfeit attempts. Major features are a new concept for clear window technology and a new generation of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) for passport hinges.

Additional security feature: clear windows
At TRUSTECH, ��AV will present a new concept for clear window technology. Such windows present an additional security feature against counterfeiting attempts. For the manufacture of ID cards it is essential that the card construction has a flat surface without irregularities. ��AV developed a very thin film with extremely high opacity which is particularly suitable for the seamless integration of clear window applications.

The innovative film solution enables a new production method which does not require filling a punched window inside a polycarbonate card or passport data page with additional material. During the lamination process, the transparent layers merge and the thin hole is filled without any irregularities on the document’s surface. This innovative construction offers more space for transparent layers and for the integration of additional security features. Complex window geometries are also possible. The thinner opaque films also simplify the lamination process and significantly reduce the cycle time as well as the visibility of integrated antennas and chips.

In conventional manufacturing, die-cut windows are filled with a transparent polycarbonate film of the type Makrofol^® ID. This is punched out of small film strips in order to reduce material waste, and processed on automated card production lines.

Simplified production processes
“We are very proud to offer our customers solutions for reducing complexity in their production processes,” explains Cengiz Yesildag, Global Segment Head ID/Security at ��AV. “Makrofol ID thin white high opaque films combine the advantages of easier construction of clear windows in security documents with shorter lamination cycles, a clear win-win situation for our customers.”

For the opaque films, ��AV has received the Blue Shield Innovation Award at the Security Document Summit in China on October 17, 2018 – in total for the fifth time in a row.

Next generation TPU hinge material
Another ��AV development affects the interior design of passports. The data page is laminated onto a thin fold that is integrated into the passport for a secure fit. The production process is very efficient and the bond is also durable: the passports can be opened and closed as often as required without the flexibility suffering or the fold tearing.

The fold consists of a multi-layer film composite made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). At TRUSTECH, ��AV will be presenting a new Platilon^® ID film, which offers a further 35 percent increase in tear resistance compared to the standard product Platilon^® ID 9122.

More design freedom
Compared to individual films, the layers in the film composite have lower layer thicknesses and thus allow greater design freedom, especially for the thinner data page. As a result, the integration of safety features is simplified and the lower layer thickness saves costs.

Multi-layer Platilon^® ID can be excellently bonded with polycarbonate and ensures that data pages cannot be delaminated without destroying the passport completely.

��AV has developed Makrofol^® ID superlaser polycarbonate film for particularly forgery-proof security cards. The composite of three layers is extremely sensitive to laser radiation. Laser engraving therefore requires less energy than conventional laser-sensitive films and saves at least 20 percent time during production. At the same time, maximum contrast can be achieved – even at very low layer thicknesses: 50 percent of the data content of a personal photograph is already contained in a layer only 10 micrometers thick.

New passport concept at TRUSTECH conference
Markus Mingenbach, head of the Specialty Films business of ��AV in the Asia Pacific region, will introduce the company´s new passport concept at Trustech´s Innovation Stage. This gathering of innovators during TRUSTECH fair provides a unique forum for discussing latest developments for ID documents. On November 29 he will present the new films for clear window technology and passport hinges and inform the audience about improved properties of Makrofol^® ID superlaser films.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Sonnenwagen – the success story goes on

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0200

For a few years now, a team of highly motivated students from RWTH Aachen University and FH Aachen has been working on the question of how to make electric mobility even more sustainable. Their goal is to develop a solar-powered electric car to take part in the toughest solar car races in the world. After the successful initial participation at the World Solar Challenge in Australia in 2017 as "Best Newcomer" and the achievement of the third place at the European Solar Challenge 2018, the team now wants to take the next step based on the accumulated experience and in the World Solar Challenge 2019 attack the world leaders around the teams from Stanford, Delft and Cambridge.

��AV, a leading global provider of innovative and sustainable material solutions, shares the students' enthusiasm and will work with them to push existing boundaries to make the project a success. The company has a long-standing partnership with the renowned RWTH Aachen University and, following the successful and fruitful cooperation in the 2017 season, is supporting the solar car project with a variety of materials and technical services as well as being the main sponsor. Both partners have now signed a cooperation agreement on the project.

Partnership for solar mobility
"Sustainability is a core component of our corporate strategy, and solar mobility can make an important contribution to climate protection and the conservation of fossil resources," says Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of ��AV. "That is why we are supporting this ambitious project and intensifying our cooperation with the Sonnenwagen team. We use our innovative materials to provide solutions for future mobility. With this project, we are also promoting young talents.”

Markus Eckstein, first chairman of the Sonnenwagen team, welcomes the extended partnership: "We are very pleased to have ��AV back as a supporter. The cooperation with ��AV was already an important mainstay at the recent World Solar Challenge and helped us to reach the finish line in Adelaide as ´Best Newcomer´. The Sonnenwagen team can once again benefit from the high level of material expertise.”

Innovative materials for future mobility
The Leverkusen-based company has already gained some experience in solar mobility with innovative material developments: As an official partner of the Solar Impulse project, it made an important contribution to the success of the first manned, round-the-world flight with an airplane powered only by solar energy.

The test of a polyurethane car repair clearcoat from PPG at the World Challenge 2017, in which the biobased hardener Desmodur^® eco N 7300 from ��AV was used, was also successful. It also withstood the harsh climatic conditions in Australia.

The material and development cooperation will now be further expanded for 2019. A ��AV development team will be involved in the production plans of the solar car in order to contribute to an even lighter and more aerodynamic solar car design.

Successful start at the European Solar Challenge
As a first step on the way to Australia, the Sonnenwagen team has already successfully mastered the European Solar Challenge on the former Formula 1 race track in Zolder, Belgium. The aim of the race is not only to cover the greatest possible distance within 24 hours, but also to score points with innovations in vehicle development, the most constant 8-lap times and the fastest lap driven. The Sonnenwagen team was able to finish the toughest 24-hour race for solar vehicles in third place in the Challenger class.

"It couldn't get any better; despite the very difficult race course and the adverse weather conditions, we were able to get the optimum out of the race result," said first team chairman Markus Eckstein after the race. "We are confident that we will be able to take the upturn in success in Belgium with us to Australia and start there with a view to the podium as well.”

In addition, two members of the association won with an electric car now three years in a row at the e-CROSS Germany, a four-day, climate-neutral rally through North Rhine-Westphalia.

World's toughest solar race
The World Solar Challenge is considered to be the toughest solar race on earth and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017. Every two years, teams from all over the world compete to be the fastest to cover the 3,000 kilometer stretch from Darwin to Adelaide with homemade vehicles – without a drop of fuel.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

About Sonnenwagen Aachen:
Sonnenwagen Aachen is an association registered since September 2015 and consists of 40 committed students of the RWTH Aachen University and the FH Aachen University of Applied Science. The aim of the association is to design and manufacture a solar-powered electric vehicle and to take part in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in October 2017 – an emission-free race across the Australian outback. As the only German team in the Challenger class, Team Sonnenwagen Aachen will compete with other international teams on the 3,022 km-long track. The central objective underlying participation in the races is to raise society's awareness regarding the issue of sustainable mobility and to contribute to the development of appropriate technologies.

This press release can be downloaded from ��AV's press server at and from Sonnenwagen Aachen's website at .

More information can be found at , and .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Polycarbonate protects the heart of electric mobility

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200

The automotive industry is in a state of upheaval worldwide. Alternative drive technologies, new forms of connectivity and autonomous driving necessitate completely new vehicle concepts. One of ��AV's current focal points is the use of polycarbonate plastics in electric vehicles.

The heart of future electric cars and hybrid vehicles is a lithium-ion battery. In order to position a large number of battery cells precisely and in a small space, cell holders and frames as well as housing components must be very dimensionally stable and mechanically robust. Depending on the design principle of the battery pack, the material must also be flame-retardant and meet category V-0 of Underwriters Laboratories' UL94 flammability classification even at low wall thicknesses down to 0.75 millimeters.

High-performance plastic solutions for battery housings
��AV has many years of experience in encapsulating lithium-ion batteries for laptops and other electronic devices. To achieve this, the company has developed various polycarbonate blends that meet these requirements and are also extremely impact-resistant over a wide temperature range – especially at sub-zero temperatures. At the Fakuma 2018 trade fair, the company will present various battery modules, cell holders, crash absorbers and other products at its stand number 4206 in Hall B4.

“When it comes to cell holders and the integration of battery cells into modules, flame protection is particularly important.” explains Dr. Julian Marschewski from ��AV. The electric mobility expert adds: “The properties of the materials used in the battery environment play a decisive role in passing the many functional and safety tests on the finished component and contribute to the battery's safe operation over its entire life cycle."

Tailor-made materials
A flame-retardant polycarbonate ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) blend of the Bayblend^® FR type is ideal for cell holders and battery modules. It is temperature-resistant and dimensionally stable, and the parts can be produced efficiently with injection molding. The plastic is also used in mobile GreenPack rechargeable batteries from the Berlin-based manufacturer of the same name.

The crash absorber exhibited at Fakuma 2018 is made of the PC-PBT (polybutylene-terephthalate) Makroblend^® KU-2 7912/4. The material has very high impact strength and particularly high ductility at low temperatures. The honeycomb structure contributes to the extreme impact resistance of the crash absorber.

Another special material is the highly filled polycarbonates of the Makrolon^® TC product family, which are already used for heat sinks in LED lamps, for example. These products are thermally conductive but also available as electrically insulating versions so they can contribute to the efficient thermal management of batteries.

Battery pack for tough conditions
Enduros have to be ready for all wind and weather conditions, but above all must withstand the toughest mechanical demands. In these off-road motorcycles, too, the trend is towards electric drive. Californian electric bike specialist Alta Motors is a leading manufacturer of such machines. The battery under the name Alta Pack is equipped with a jacket made of the extremely impact-resistant PC-PBT blend Makroblend^®.

��AV continues to drive the safe integration of lithium-ion cells in the traction battery of electric vehicles forward. Next year, the company plans to actively participate in leading industry events such as the Battery Show from 5 to 7 May in Stuttgart and the Battery Experts Forum from 10 to 12 April in Frankfurt am Main.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Introducing new solutions for needle-free injection technology

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Imagine being able to treat diabetes without needles. For more than 114 million Chinese patients, it can be a reality. QS Medical Technology Co., Ltd. (QS), based in Beijing, has designed a new needle-free injection technology that is safe, highly-effective and more comfortable for patients with diabetes. The drug is injected at high pressure under the skin surface.

“We are focused on developing innovative medical products to make life a little easier, safer and more comfortable for millions of patients in China and around the world,” said Justin Zhang, Founder and General Manager for QS. “That’s why we have partnered with ��AV to produce high-quality, needle-free injectors to meet the needs of a growing number of patients with diabetes,” said Zhang.

“Our vision is to make the world a brighter place,” said Wang Xinyu, Sales Director for China, Healthcare Sector, ��AV. “For patients with diabetes, that means working to find solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible. Needle-free technology can provide patients with a more comfortable, efficient injection experience and help increase medication compliance.”

Proven plastic for medical technology
Based on its previous experience in the area of needle-free injection, QS selected Makrolon^® Rx1805, a medical-grade polycarbonate from ��AV, for the medicine ampoules. Makrolon^® medical-grade polycarbonates have excellent properties of durability, processability, safety and design flexibility, which meet the stringent requirements of a wide variety of medical products. With superior material performance, ��AV provides QS with total material solutions for its needle-free syringe products.

“M��Ǳ��ǲ�^® Rx1805 polycarbonate is mainly used in the production of the insulin-delivery interface and for molding the ampoules containing the medication for needle-free syringe products,” said Su Ning, head of QS Product Center. “The material meets our requirements for the plastic drug-delivery components and ampoule bottles for precise size, high strength and toughness. It ensures that the drug-delivery component can consistently and safely puncture through the plug of an insulin ampoule and fulfills our design, so that the drug-sampling needle and the protective cover of the drug suction apparatus are manufactured in one shot via injection molding.”

Tailor-made properties
The main benefits of Makrolon^® Rx1805 polycarbonate from ��AV are:
• Resistant to cracking against lipids
• Resistant to radiation sterilization and able to ensure high productivity and efficiency during the molding of the ampoule bottles
• Biocompatible and complies with multiple requirements of ISO 10993
• High impact resistance
• Accuracy in molding size, and able to maintain stability under different application environments

“Our Research and Development goal for the next decade is to integrate injection drug with needle-free technology, and launch more convenient pre-loaded, needle-free administration systems to the market,” said Zhang. “To do this, we hope to develop a collaborative partnership with ��AV to push the boundaries in technology innovation for needle-free injection.”

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

About QS:
Established in 2007, Beijing QS Medical Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise focused on the R&D, production and sales of needle-free drug delivery equipment. The company’s production and R&D facility is located in the Daxing Economic and Technological Development Zone of Beijing, with a 100,000-level clean room, 10,000-level aseptic laboratory and automatic production lines of needle-free syringe consumables, with capacity of producing over 10 million sterile consumables each year. At present, the company has developed a variety of needle-free injection products, which can be used in the injection of insulin, auxin, interferon, vaccine, ephedrine and more.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Front module concept in a new design

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Vehicle construction is in a state of upheaval worldwide. Alternative drive technologies such as electric mobility, new forms of connectivity and autonomous driving require totally new car concepts. This also includes a newly designed front section – an individual “face” – of the car, with seamless, glass-like surfaces that can be used for a variety of purposes.

��AV has more than ten years of experience in the field of glass-like exterior parts and, by combining its film and glazing technologies, has devised a study for an innovative front module that offers solutions for many requirements of the automotive industry. The company will present the concept simultaneously at the Fakuma trade fair in Friedrichshafen and the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) for the automotive industry in Wolfsburg from October 16, 2018.

New design with high functional integration
The front section of future automobiles will be characterized by three-dimensional, jointless and glass-like surfaces – the classic radiator grille will be obsolete. "It is not only the desire of car manufacturers to differentiate their models from the competition by designing them as individually as possible,” explains Stefan Schulten, segment manager automotive in the specialty films segment at ��AV and responsible for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. “It is also about integrating more and more functions in ever less space.”

The front section can already be designed in a variety of ways using a variety of decorated or semi-transparent films. In addition, there are, for example, lighting and signal functions such as those required for communication between an autonomous vehicle and pedestrians. One special variant is the black panel technology, in which a special Makrofol^® polycarbonate film with a light source behind it is illuminated. When switched off, passers-by see only a mat, black surface.

Compact polycarbonate construction
The structure of the front module prototype consists of a film printed with a colorful motif, for example the company logo, depending on customer requirements. The classic metal logo is replaced by a modern version.

This composite is then over-molded with transparent Makrolon^® AG polycarbonate using film insert molding technology (FIM). The flat surface and the depth effect of the polycarbonate create a glass-like appearance. Besides that a three-dimensional effect is generated, despite the use of a flat Makrofol^® film. A transparent, scratch-resistant silicone hard-coating is also applied as the outermost layer.

More functions are conceivable
This combination of polycarbonate resin and films and the coating creates a light, multifunctional part with the desired properties for use in car exterior. It also enables a glass-like design with embedded multidimensional structures, which can be amplified by light functions. The structure can be made permeable to radar and LiDAR radiation, also allows the integration of further functions, for example embedding heating wires for de-icing.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Innovative plastics for future trends

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200

At the Fakuma 2018 trade show for plastics processing from 16 to 20 October in Friedrichshafen, ��AV will be presenting a whole spectrum of innovative and sustainable plastics solutions for various industries. The products and technologies provide answers to trends such as future mobility, progressive digitalization, 3D printing and energy-efficient lighting.

One important topic at the company's stand, number 4206 in Hall B4, will be robust, lightweight and aesthetic fiber composites for energy- and resource-saving applications. Other key areas are flame-retardant battery housings for electric mobility or transparent and/or light-diffusing polycarbonates for energy-efficient LED lighting technology.

The worldwide demand for particularly robust and lightweight materials is increasing. ��AV meets these requirements with continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) from the new brand Maezio™ and also provides a cost-effective and scalable manufacturing solution for bulk products.

Polycarbonate blends for electric drives
A current development focus at ��AV is focused on new drive technologies such as electric mobility. Materials used to encapsulate lithium-ion batteries must be highly dimensionally stable in order to be able to position a large number of battery cells precisely and closely. Depending on the design principle of the batteries, the material must also be flame-retardant. Various polycarbonate blends are very well suited for this purpose. At Fakuma, the company will showcase such a battery module for home storage.

Another special exhibit will be a complex-shaped shock absorber. It was manufactured using the three leading 3D printing technologies, and is made from filament, powder and liquid resin. Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyurethane resin from ��AV were used here.

��AV will also be presenting various light-guiding and light-diffusing polycarbonates including films, as well as a highly heat-conducting type for cooling energy-saving LED light fixtures. In addition, film developments will be presented for novel front and rear solutions, as well as for the automotive interior.

Digital offers for customers
Progressive digitalization in the plastics industry should lift research and development, production, supply chains, sustainability projects and customer contacts to a new level and ultimately contribute to increased business success. ��AV uses a full range of digital channels and services, including product finders and electronic trading platforms, for its customer contacts. Visitors to the ��AV stand can try out various options.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

��AV introduces brand name for thermoplastic composites

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200

��AV is pushing ahead with developing and marketing its continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) by introducing Maezio™ as brand name.

These innovative materials are set to tap into the growing demand worldwide for strong and light materials that contribute to resource conservation and energy efficiency. From mobility and electronics industries to consumer goods and medical products, OEMs and part suppliers can benefit from the high performance capabilities of advanced composites while enjoying cost-effective and scalable manufacturing solutions offered by Maezio™.

“The brand gives us a clear and strong identity to further expand our expertise in thermoplastic composites,” says David Hartmann, Co-CEO of CFRTP, one of the two Co-CEOs for CFRTP composites alongside Dr. Michael Schmidt. “We believe the new brand can truly bring value to next-generation products across industries by delivering a combination of lightweight construction, specific strengths and finishes at a scale unreachable by advanced materials today.”

Material of tomorrow
The composite material of the future is based on continuous carbon or glass fibers impregnated with polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or other thermoplastic resins. From these components, ��AV produces uni-directional reinforced tapes and sheets at the production site in Markt Bibart in south Germany for further processing by customers. Being strong, light, and aesthetic, these components can be combined into an unlimited number of products, giving designers completely new creative opportunities.

So far a further propagation of advanced composites was hampered by lack of cost-effective and scalable manufacturing processes. Besides that it is difficult to integrate them into high-volume products. All of this is about to change with Maezio™ composites.

Suitable for mass production
They can be thermoformed with existing thermoforming tools at high yield rates and low cycle times. This is vital when manufacturing scales can be in the range of millions of parts per year. Other production technologies such as hybrid injection molding, automated UD tape laying and automated fiber placement can be easily integrated.

As thermoplastic composites, Maezio™ products can be recycled at the end of their useful life, making them “a perfect example of what scalable and sustainable composite solutions look like in giving industries the material tools to push boundaries,” says Michael Schmidt.

Strong interest from many sectors
Maezio™ is attracting interest in such diverse segments as the electrical and electronics industry, the automotive business, household appliance manufacturers and furniture producers, medical technology, sports goods manufacturers, shoe producers and the luggage industry.

Haier, the world’s largest white goods brand, has launched a state-of-the-art air conditioner under its Casarte brand, which utilizes Maezio™ for the main housing of the product. In the world of footwear, the composites have helped Chinese athletic wear startup Bmai to develop even lighter and stronger marathon shoes which benefit athletes and leisure runners alike.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

��AV supports sustainable urban development

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Ongoing urbanization brings with it many challenges, especially in megacities as they are currently developing in countries such as China. Above all, solutions are needed that reduce the energy consumption of buildings and vehicles. The Chinese government is therefore promoting sustainable urban planning concepts and a wider use of renewable energies.

This is the goal of "Solar Decathlon China", a student competition for building concepts that use only solar energy. The venue for this year's "Olympic games for solar energy and green building industry," as the organizers call the Decathlon, is the city of Dezhou. It is also known as the "Sun City" because it is at the center of the Chinese solar industry. 22 student teams from 37 universities from around the world will take part in the competition.

With know-how and material solutions, ��AV supports two student groups in the competition – the joint team of Tongji University Shanghai and TU Darmstadt, and the team Shunya of the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai.

Megacities as a challenge and opportunity

"The fast-growing megacities in these two countries present particular challenges to population supply, the development of the infrastructure and climate protection," says Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of ��AV. "At the same time, local universities and companies often develop the best solutions for global trends such as progressive urbanization."

Therefore, close cooperation with local partners is particularly important: "Together with them, we develop innovative and sustainable material solutions for energy-efficient buildings. On that basis we want to help shape future habitats and make the world a brighter place," says Markus Steilemann.

With such projects, ��AV is committed to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Particular priorities are sustainable cities (SDG number 11) and the use of renewable energy (SDG number 7).

Solar Decathlon China: holistic residential solutions in demand

Each team was to design and build a one- or two-story solar house with a floor space of between 120 and 200 square meters. The solution is evaluated according to ten criteria: architecture, market appeal, engineering, communications, innovation, comfort zone, appliances, home life, commuting and energy performance.

On August 17, the winning concept will be announced. After that the area will be turned into a permanent exhibition for sustainable construction and into the first intelligent low-carbon park in China.

Sophisticated construction concepts

The EnergyPLUS Home 4.0 from Tongji University and TU Darmstadt has a modular structure, so that several units can be combined to form an apartment building. ��AV produces transparent and heat-insulating polycarbonate panels for the façade, as well as polyurethane raw materials for water-based, yet water-permeable outdoor floor coatings. They are a perfect fit for new city drainage systems like so-called sponge grounds that soak in water and direct it into piping systems underground.

Mumbai's Shunya team's Solarise concept combines regional architectural principles and includes climatic and cultural aspects. It is a net positive energy solar villa with a floor space of 150 square meters, which is suitable for a family of six people comprising all modern amenities for comfortable and sustainable living. Products from ��AV are used in insulating polycarbonate panels on the roof, in polyisocyanurate insulation panels in walls and floors, and in the coating of the steel framework.

In focus: renewable energies

“With the support of the Solar Decathlon China, ��AV also underlines its commitment to the expansion of renewable energies such as solar and wind power,” says Dr. Christian Haessler, head of Sustainability at ��AV and former head of its Polymer Research and Development Center in Shanghai. The company was the official sponsor of the Solar Impulse project of the pioneers Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, who for the first time circumnavigated the earth with a solar-powered aircraft. In addition, students from the RWTH Aachen University, who participated in a self-built solar car at the World Solar Challenge 2017 in Australia, arguably the toughest solar race in the world, were supported.

“��AV is also involved in expanding wind power, especially in China,” adds Christian Haessler. “Together with partners, we developed a new polyurethane composite for rotor blades of wind turbines. These are more flexible and robust than conventional blades and can be made faster and more economically.”

Worldwide competition for solar construction

The first Solar Decathlon events took place from 2002 in the USA. Later offshoots were also established in other regions. The initiator and organizer continues to be the US Department of Energy. This year's Solar Decathlon China will also be hosted by China's Ministry of Energy and other national authorities.

About ��AV:

With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

More information can be found at www.covestro.com and .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Pushing boundaries with up-to-date train interiors

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0200

“The Future of Mobility”: Under this motto, the InnoTrans trade fair to be held in Berlin, Germany, from September 18 to 21 will be devoted to the future of transport technology. Not only today's growing mobility and the trend towards mobile work, but also increasingly busy roads and a rising environmental awareness are promoting the switch to trains and buses. These public transport services are not as energy-hungry as cars, trucks, and airplanes, they emit less CO₂, and help prevent traffic congestion.

Regardless of whether traveling long distance or commuting to and from work: Customers are placing ever greater demands on the interior furnishing of trains. The passengers want a robust, innovative, and appealing design. They want comfortable seats and clean and easy-to-clean surfaces to give them a feeling of well-being. But the interior should also be functional in order to accommodate baby carriages, baggage, and bicycles, as well as to allow a seamless network. What is required are affordable and environmentally friendly solutions that also guarantee the safety of the passengers.

Safety has priority
��AV is a leading provider of polycarbonate solutions that combine many of these characteristics together. At the InnoTrans at Stand 506 in Hall 3.1, the company will present blends with this plastic that are not only sturdy and aesthetic, but also satisfy the high requirements of EN 45545, the European fire protection standard for railway vehicles. This way, plastics make their contribution to ensuring passenger safety.

The product Bayblend^® FR411 MT, for example, is a filler-reinforced modified polycarbonate that meets the requirements of this European standard with respect to flame propagation, thermal release, and smoke density and toxicity for R1 applications according to hazard level HL2 up to a wall thickness of two millimeters.

To address the need of the railway industry for a material for higher wall thicknesses, ��AV has developed the trial product Bayblend^® TP2139, which meets the fire protection requirements named above even up to a layer thickness of three millimeters.

Pioneering interior design
“The two products are highly versatile in use for walls and seats, as well as in electrical installations,” says Klaus Kraner, expert for the interior furnishing of buses and trains at ��AV's Polycarbonates Segment. “The components manufactured from them are lightweight and do not require painting, as the material is dyed during plate production,” explains Klaus Kraner.

There are virtually no limits for designers when it comes to shaping and coloring. This also applies to the design of surfaces, which can have a smooth or high gloss finish, but also a grained or textured finish. Moreover, polycarbonate is permeable to radio signals and therefore ideally suitable for the installation of antennas and sensors.

The plates can be manufactured with environmentally friendly and efficient extrusion technologies. They are long-lasting and can be recycled at the end of their useful life.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Brunel University student wins Design Innovation in Plastics competition with balcony shelf product

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0200

A student from Brunel University has scooped top prize in the annual Design Innovation in Plastics (DIP) competition with a cleverly designed shelf which can fit on a balcony railing and accommodate anything from a plant to a bottle of wine.

Product Design student, Alex Roquero, impressed the competition judges with his ‘Hook’, a portable shelf which is integrated with a flowerbox, and fits to any kind of railing – ideal for people who have no garden, or reduced space, and want something which hooks onto a balcony.
Thanks to its unique shape, as well as plants, it can also carry day-to-day products such as coffee mugs, wine glasses, beer bottles or even books.

DIP, which is organized by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and the Worshipful ��AV of Horners, and is headline sponsored by ��AV, gave students the brief of ‘Branching Out – Design For Garden Innovation’.

They were asked to come up with an innovative product, primarily from plastics, which could be used in a garden, that would better connect people with nature, enhance the pleasure of gardening or leisure activities within the garden, or help sooth mind and body after a long and stressful day.

Chairman of judges, Richard Brown, commented: “It was evident that this product could become a marketable item, as living spaces become smaller, and more ‘Juliet’ balconies are integrated into new builds, especially in Europe. Alex tackled a problem that he was familiar with from the environment in his home country of Spain, and took a holistic approach to provide a multi-purpose solution. We were impressed by the way he took into consideration all the elements of the brief, from initial concept, patent and IP search, manufacturability, point of sale options and sustainability. He used polypropylene, which has the mechanical properties required for this kind of product and is completely recyclable.”

Alex wins a trip to Germany to visit the ��AV, the global polymers manufacturer, and also wins placements with competition sponsors, RJG Technology, which provides injection molding industry support, training and advisory services, and PDD, the product and service design and innovation consultancy.

He said taking part in the competition and getting this far had driven him to develop expertise and gain experience in areas he had not studied before and to be especially aware of considerations such as sustainability, which had influenced even small decisions in the design and production of his balcony shelf.

“Being able to produce a physical working prototype helped me realise how challenging and satisfying it is to make your designs work in real life,” he added.

In second place was William Oughton, an Integrated Product Design student, also from Brunel University. William created ‘Bulb Garden Furniture’, a concept set of garden accessories which fit to any type of panel, wire or post built fences, and can be used as bird feeders, planters, bird houses or solar outdoor light.

In third was Olivia Alexander, a Product Design student from De Montfort University, with Buzz, a bee-friendly planter which administers an anti-mite substance directly to the bees to protect them from the Varroa mite.

Three other students gained highly commended:
• Fatima Abedi Manji, De Montfort University: Gingko – a planter for urban spaces designed specifically with children in mind to help their development and promote the joy of gardening.
• Lewis Brown, Teesside University: Dynamic Grip – an ergonomic garden multi-tool targeting gardeners with arthritis.
• Zeina Mofti, Brunel University: G Cycle – a product which combines modern indoor gardening with home aquariums to enhance wellbeing, by providing a calm and relaxing environment.

All the finalists are being offered a short placement with one of the competition sponsors, Brightworks, HellermannTyton, Innovate Product Design, PDD and RJG Technologies, as part of their prize, and Olivia Alexander, who won the ��AV Award, chosen by ��AV judges, will visit the company alongside the winner.

The Design Innovation in Plastics Award is the longest running student plastics design competition in Europe, having been established in 1985.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

The football world as the guest in Europe's third largest stadium

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0200

After four years of renovation, the venerable Luzhniki Olympic Stadium comes back to life for the 2018 World Cup in Moscow. It has 81,000 seats, 2,000 VIP seats and 2,500 media seats. It was the setting for the opening match and some preliminary games, further matches for the round of 16, the semi-finals and the final match will also take place here.

During the reconstruction phase, the arena received new grandstand roofing with multiwall sheets made of Makrolon^® polycarbonate from ��AV. The idea was no coincidence: even the old roofing was made of this high-tech plastic. Even after years of use, the panels showed only barely visible scratches and slight loss of color. When the stadium was renovated for the World Cup from 2015, the positive experience led to the decision to use ��AV's high-tech product once again.

Large-area roofing
Around 36,000 square meters are covered with 25 millimeters thick, white-colored multiwall sheets. Some 30 trucks were needed to safely transport the panels with a width of 1.20 meters and a length of 9.80 meters to Moscow.

The X-structure of the Makrolon^® multiwall sheet ensures high stability in all kinds of weather and withstands even high snow loads of up to one ton per square meter. Thanks to new additives and a special UV coating, the polycarbonate sheets are guaranteed to be protected from weathering for 25 years. Another advantage are the very good fire classification.

A lightweight that saves costs
Cost savings of 40 to 45 percent are another advantage in comparison to a glass roof construction. Polycarbonate sheets have a lower weight, making it easier to transport and process with much less effort. The substructures, mostly made of metal or aluminum, can also be designed in a more sophisticated way.

Solid and multiwall sheets made of polycarbonate have already proven their worth in stadium construction and many other large-scale projects. In Germany, numerous new or renovated sports facilities bear impressive testimony to the abundant possibilities of Makrolon^® sheets. Many other countries around the world, such as China, Poland, Brazil, Romania and Austria, also have examples of their application diversity.

Great history
The Luzhniki Stadium was opened in 1956. It was the venue for numerous Russian and international sports competitions, including the 1980 Olympic Games, as well as a stage for concerts by internationally renowned artists.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately

For more information please see .

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports. These reports are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to make them conform to future events or developments.

��AV joins Composite Application Center in Singapore

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0200

��AV has joined forces with an international group of companies to launch the Composite Application Center (CAC) in Singapore. Its aim is to drive the development of advanced composites by delivering industry- and application-focused services to specific regional and global markets. At the Germany-Singapore Business Forum at Hanover Fair, the group of currently ten companies and two research entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the launch of CAC. The group is spearheaded by Composite Cluster Singapore.

“With this initiative we are responding to the request of the composites industry to bring together partners of all stages of the composites value chain,” said Dr. Florian Doetzer, Managing Director of Composite Cluster Singapore. “Through this integration the Composite Application Center will be able to develop end-to-end solutions.

Florian Doetzer added, “They include suppliers of materials, software, equipment and process technologies, as well as manufacturing companies. ��AV has a strong know-how in advanced composites especially in thermoplastics, and provides a high value contribution to CAC.” CAC will officially start its operation ‪on May 1, 2018,‬ and will ramp-up activities and capabilities throughout this year. Additional companies are expected to join in later.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Increasing demand for composite materials
“Advanced composites, particularly thermoplastic materials, will play an important role in satisfying the growing demand for strong and light materials,” says David Hartmann, Co-CEO of the Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites (CFRTP) business at ��AV. “For this purpose partnerships need to be formed within the industry, to deploy solutions that can help get those next-generation products into consumers’ hands. CAC offers a unique platform for partnerships to grow, and that’s an invitation we would like to extend to everybody in the composites and adjacent industries.”

The new center will provide a platform focusing on customer trials, prototyping, pilot manufacturing, training and support services. Product companies can leverage on CAC’s combined expertise and facilities to reduce initial investments and risk for composite related product design and manufacturing. The center will also collaborate closely with international leaders in composite research, as well as regional education and training centers to allow the industry to tap into latest technologies and create a sustainable talent pool.

Global interest from many sectors
“Our polycarbonates have already proven themselves in many applications that require strength, low weight and beauty”, says Dr. Michael Schmidt, the other Co-CEO of CFRTPs at ��AV. “However, the electronics industry and other industries want even stronger and lighter materials that can be used to produce thinner parts and integrated functionality.”

Besides the electrical and electronics industries, CFRTPs are attracting interest in such diverse segments as the automotive business, household appliance manufacturers and furniture producers, medical technology, and manufacturers of sports goods and shoes.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Every biker would love to live out of this suitcase

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0200

When the warm spring sun drives away the winter frost, it also arouses the wanderlust of motorcycle fans. Finally set off again, smell the asphalt and conquer the world! Take the machines out to get them ready to go and get started planning short trips or long distance tours. But no trip without luggage. What is the best way to store it? Which luggage systems can give the noble design of the bikes another kick, and which are light, robust, safe and easy to handle?

These are the questions the experts at Hepco&Becker GmbH, have in mind. The company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality luggage systems for motorcycles and is based in Pirmasens, Germany. The family business, which also specializes in tool cases, has put its accumulated know-how and many years of experience into a new side bag called the XCEED. The top loader was developed in cooperation with EGON Engineering Goes On, a technology consulting company from Memmingen, and its design is based on high-quality anodized aluminum and the impact-resistant Makroblend^® UT6007 plastic from ��AV.

Really tough
"With this combination of materials we make use of contemporary lines and shapes that lend the case elegance and value. At the same time, it is light and handy and can take a lot of punishment in everyday life without its appearance getting immediately damaged," explains Nils Arnold, specialist in design and development at Hepco&Becker.

The plastic is used for the base of the case, which weighs only 4.5 kilograms, the housings of the lid and case lock as well as the edges of the lid and the case body. In addition, the handles of the lid, which can be opened and removed from both sides, as well as accessories such as canister and drinking bottle holders are made of the polycarbonate and polybutylene terephthalate (PC+PBT) blend.

Matte, finely grained surface
"Our material has proven itself in many ways. For example, it is extremely low-temperature impact resistant so it hardly breaks and splinters even at low temperatures, which benefits safety," explains Thomas Vaillant, a plastics expert at ��AV. It is also particularly resistant to typical motorcycle fluids such as oils, greases and fuels as well as cleaning and maintenance products. In addition, matte, finely grained surfaces can be injection molded without any defects and they complement the aluminum look very well.

Good flowability and dimensional stability are another advantage of the elastomer-modified thermoplastic. They ensure that the partly filigree geometries are precisely reproduced, for example in the area of the locks, and that the complete case – it has a capacity of 38 liters – fits precisely into its support and the installation environment.

The different variants of the Makroblend^® UT series are also in demand in other motorcycle applications. For example, they are used to produce weatherproof and impact-resistant battery housings for electric motorcycles.

XCEED will appear on the market in mid-2018 and was already presented at the EICMA, Europe's largest motorcycle fair, in Milan November 2017. Detailed information about the side bag can be found at .

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

For more information please see .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

A versatile plastic for glasses

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Polycarbonate is an ideal lens material for corrective eyeglasses and sunglasses: It is lightweight, impact resistant, durable and comfortable. However, not all polycarbonate for eyewear applications is created equal. ��AV has developed special lens-quality grades of its Makrolon^® polycarbonate which are characterized by excellent optical properties, high mechanical strength, toughness and comfort.

When original equipment manufacturer Jiangsu Sigo Optical Co., Ltd. (“Jiangsu Sigo Optical”) decided to upgrade the polycarbonate material used for its corrective and sunglass lenses, it turned to ��AV Makrolon^® polycarbonate resins for improved optical purity and production yield.

High optical purity grade
For corrective lenses, Jiangsu Sigo Optical utilizes Makrolon^® DP1-1821 polycarbonate, which is formulated specifically for the ophthalmic market. Available in clear tints, the material offers a number of advantages for corrective lenses including high optical purity, transmission and scatter resistance and UV stabilization. In processing, the material is distinguished by its high viscosity and easy release from the mold.

For outdoor activities, sunglasses provide UV protection, impact-resistance and style. Makrolon^® LQ2887 polycarbonate, a new optical grade, is used for high-performance sunglass lenses from Jiangsu Sigo Optical. The abbreviation “LQ” stands for “lens quality”.

UV protection included
Importantly, Makrolon^® LQ2887 polycarbonate provides UV protection from wavelengths up to 400 nanometers (nm), which blocks both energy-rich UVA and UVB rays. The product offers thin and fashionable, yet impact resistant lenses, and is appropriate for outdoor sports such as mountain biking and beach volleyball. UV protection is especially effective in beach and snow environments where water and snow strongly reflect harmful UV rays.

Owing to its medium viscosity and easy release from the mold, the product is easy to process. In addition to supplying the materials, ��AV also offers valuable technical assistance.

Rapid scale-up of a new product
“Our ophthalmic lens branded as Sigo+ meets the global market’s quality requirements with stable growth in export sales, thanks to the high productivity and low impurity quality of Makrolon^® polycarbonate from ��AV,” explains Liu Jianzhong, General Manager, Jiangsu Sigo Optical Co., Ltd. “The project team had ��AV’s full support, which helped them scale up the new material on production lines just in three months.”

The successful product launch was also noted by Marina Lee, Senior Marketing Manager, Medical and Consumer Products – Polycarbonates, Asia Pacific, ��AV (Shanghai) Management Co., Ltd. “We worked closely with Jiangsu Sigo Optical and provided on-site technical support to ensure the process of qualifying the high-quality ��AV materials went smoothly. As a result, the use of Makrolon^® LQ2887 polycarbonate in the sunglass lenses provides outstanding UV performance with protection to 400 nanometers,” she explained.

Attendees at the 32nd International Exhibition on Plastics and Rubber Industries (CHINAPLAS 2018), April 24-27, in Shanghai, China, will receive more information about ��AV´s medical applications and materials in Hall 7.2, Booth no. D41.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

About Sigo:
Jiangsu Sigo Optical Co., Ltd. was founded in 1998. Its factory locates in Danyang, which is the base of lens manufacture in China, mainly engages in manufacturing and selling all kinds of resin lenses, such as single vision lenses, tinted lenses, bifocal lenses, photochromic lenses, semi-finished lenses and so on. Meanwhile, more and more new types will be introduced into worldwide market continuously. Since 2005, its products have been exported to more than 80 countries – USA, Europe, South America and Southeast Asia, etc. With the hard-work of R&D team and over 300 workers, Sigo optical company is not only in a leadership position of manufacturing but also in designing safer, healthier and more fashionable lenses. To learn more, please visit .

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Designer-look air conditioning systems

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Lightweight construction materials must above all be light and stable. If they also look good: all the better. However, while many people had enough of the typical "carbon fibre fabric look", ��AV CFRTP composites (continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics) provide the market with a completely new look – as can be seen by looking at air conditioners of the Chinese appliance manufacturer Haier.

The material was actually developed to produce extremely light-weight components that can withstand enormous forces thanks to ultra-thin, endlessly long carbon fibers and are nevertheless as easy to process as thermoplastic polymers. But unlike the now aged racing material, designers are already interested in the new look of ��AV's new composites. After all, new materials that are both practical and "design-suitable" are in high demand – as the example of a brand-new air-conditioning system from the Casarte brand of the Chinese household appliances company Haier shows.

"The low weight of CFRTPs was actually not so important to us," says Shao Qingru from Haier's design team. Wait a minute: did I hear that correctly? Thanks to unidirectional carbon fiber tapes, the latest ultra-lightweight material from ��AV is breaking new records in terms of weight reduction combined with very high strength. So why does the designer use it if the lightweight construction potential of the new composite material is not really that important to her?

The Haier Group reports that it holds the world's largest market share in the appliance sector and produces a very large number of air conditioning systems, washing machines, microwave ovens and refrigerators for demanding customers. Such a global player selects its materials very carefully. So why CFRTP, Mrs. Qingru? And why for a new air conditioning system for the Casarte brand of the group, which has acquired its reputation through luxury goods made of glass and steel, the products of which are sold as celebrated design objects with a nearly artistic appeal?

Customers love good looking products
And this is exactly the key to the riddle. "The decisive factor was the surface quality," says Qingru. "When I saw the material for the first time, I was very impressed by its aesthetic quality. So naturally, we were immediately interested in this new premium material when ��AV introduced it to us at a Haier Innovation Day."

There is a simple reason why Casarte employees have focused mainly on metals and glass up to now. Their goal is a unique design that electrifies customers. In the fiercely contested appliance market, manufacturers must stand out from the crowd if they want to fascinate and retain customers. Good design always determines the success of a product, according to Qingru, but ugly things quickly disappear. It is not for nothing that Casarte employs around 300 product designers in twelve countries around the globe, who give their creations the most unique look possible. And steel, aluminum and glass attract attention.

Aesthetic material wanted
The catch: "It is not easy to find new materials that we can work with," says Shao Qingru. In the meantime, she and her colleagues spend most of their time working on proven materials in such a way that they differ from the familiar appearance and help to give their products a new face. And to make them even more appealing for customers. "But in this sense, we are reaching more and more of our limits."

For example, in order to make aluminum suitable for use in living rooms, it requires some combination of finishing processes like sandblasting, brushing and anodizing. I.e. it is equipped with a more robust surface electrically before it can shine in the product. And this elaborate processes cost time and money. "CFRTP, on the other hand, is a beautiful material", the designer says. Beautiful even without make-up, so to speak.

A plastic is the better metal
The first new product in the Casarte product range, which is allowed to be encased in the new ��AV material, is an air-conditioning system: Two slender columns with a luxurious metal effect that does not require any metal at all thanks to CFRTP and an otherwise restrained, transparent paint finish: In their brilliant polycarbonate matrix, the endless carbon fibers of the new lightweight construction material, which lie parallel to each other, are reminiscent of brushed aluminum, even without the need for the time-consuming finishing process.

Even the sound fits: Anyone who knocks against the case will hear the typical metal-like "Dong", which is another good reason for many designers to take a closer look at the material. "Sound is also part of our design language", explains Qingru, "it contributes to the unique user experience. Customers want to touch, feel and hear the product. The metallic sound makes you feel like you have a stable and reliable product."

The keyword "reliable" is much more than just that: Since CFRTP, thanks to established plastic production techniques such as compression molding, requires fewer processing steps from the raw material to the end product than, for example, aluminum or even traditional carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, which require several hours in post-processing, the CFRTP inventor in Leverkusen clearly expects that the overall part quality is reproducibly higher. The result: reject rates decrease because the material has to be processed less elaborately after demolding. This, of course – like the short cycle times of the forming process – is likely to have a positive effect on production costs.

"��AV made a breakthrough here"
The high performance of the material has already convinced Haier in such a way, that the other strengths of the new lightweight construction material at Haier take a back seat. For example, the low weight and the targeted design of the tape layers to divert induced forces: for the chic design piece, these properties are also not completely unimportant, and a pleasant bonus for the user who wants to carry the product home – but the inspiring appearance is what really counts. Beauty counts!

In any case, Shao Qingru is proud to have discovered this material for the new air conditioning system of the Haier brand Casarte. "New materials are not easy to find. And the effort required to successfully bring them to the end product is high. I believe that ��AV and Haier have made a real breakthrough here." At Haier, with whom ��AV has been working for a long time and has recently entered into a strategic partnership, further projects are already being considered.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at and .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Polycarbonate sheets "shape" the path of light

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0100

At the Light + Building lighting trade fair, ��AV invites you to come and follow the path of light. From 18 to 23 March 2018, the company will be presenting material solutions based on polycarbonate for energy-efficient LED lighting technology at Stand A84 in Hall 4.0.

Digital, minimized, refined – light for modern working environments is one of the top themes at this year's Light + Building trade fair. Glare-free office lighting and slim designs are the tasks that ��AV will be challenging with its new polycarbonate sheets and presenting them at the trade fair.

Structured illumination without glare effects
Makrolon^® DX Sky and Makrolon^® SX Sharp are transparent solid sheets. They each have a smooth and a textured surface with specially developed microprismatic optics produced in the extrusion process. Both types of sheeting have increased light transmission, as no scattering additives are used in the production process.

The diffusing sheet, the Makrolon^® DX Sky, has wide light scattering which is generated by the special arrangement of the lenses on the surface. It is perfect for industrial lighting applications, for example.

Makrolon^® SX Sharp solid sheets are also made without scattering additives. But thanks to the specially developed micro-optical surface structure, it "shapes" the light for specific illumination. Lighting designers and architects can easily achieve a UGR (Unified Glare Rating) of 19 and meet the requirements of the DIN EN 12464-1 standard.

Both types are very well suited for the illumination of interiors and are used for example for lamp covers at the workplace. The optical structure refracts the light and reduces, despite the brightness, annoying glare effects and thus provides a pleasant lighting environment.

Illuminated advertising put into the scene
With Makrolon^® UV AdLight, ��AV puts customer brands in the right light. To accomplish that, the diffuser plate harmoniously combines light transmission and diffusion. It boasts UV protection on both sides and has a glossy and a matt surface. Printing on the glossy side is no problem. Depending on the design, it can be used flat or thermoformed. The material is great for all types of backlit illuminated advertising signs, which should be robust, low-maintenance and durable.

Design options and fire protection included
With its simple processing, the material can be brought into various shapes according to the designer's ideas. The polycarbonate sheets have a good fire classification, guaranteeing fireproof solutions in the interior.

In addition to the light-forming and anti-glare solid sheets, ��AV's LED range includes various diffuser sheets for which uniform light scattering with good light output are important. These are white, opaque reflector plates that reflect up to 97 percent of the LED light and are used either as reflective surfaces or as housing parts.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Plastic solutions for LED lighting technology

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0100

From 18 to 23 March, Light + Building, the world's leading trade fair for lighting technology and building automation, will once again be opening its doors at the exhibition grounds in Frankfurt am Main. At Stand A84 in Hall 4.0, ��AV will be showcasing material solutions based on high-performance polycarbonate for applications in optics, light guides, diffusers, reflectors and heat sinks.

Under the motto "Walk the Way of Light with Smart Materials", the company will be informing visitors about current developments in the targeted bundling, scattering and reflection of LED light, and offers a wide range of polycarbonate granulates, films and sheets.

See and feel the materials
This year, ��AV will use the Light + Building trade fair to present a wide range of material solutions for future efficient lighting to visitors. The Sample Bar gives visitors the chance to see and touch dozens of samples – an ideal way to discover the fascinating characteristics offered by modern plastics.

They also attract the interest of designers. They gain a great deal of freedom, especially when it comes to the functional and individual design of light sources and interiors.

Highly transparent polycarbonate for secondary optics
Makrolon^® LED 5102 is a UV-stabilized, highly transparent polycarbonate for secondary optics in the general lighting industry. With its high transparency of more than 90 percent and long lifetime, it outplays major competitor products and existing Makrolon^® grades, and enables manufacturers to easily meet the demanding requirements of their lighting customers. Good flowability allows smooth processing specifically in case of larger parts with increased requirements for dimensional accuracy and less sink marks.

New product types for heat sinks
Freedom of design, even lighter weight and easy processing – these are the main features of new polycarbonate types for heat sinks. In exactly these properties, the Makrolon^® TC range of products (the abbreviation stands for thermally conductive) offers clear advantages over the conventionally used aluminum. They also facilitate the integration of functions.

Glare-free offices
Glare-free lighting and slim designs are core requirements for the office design of the future. ��AV has tackled this challenge and will be presenting two new transparent solid polycarbonate sheets at the Light + Building trade fair: Makrolon^® DX Sky and Makrolon^® SX Sharp. Both types have smooth and textured surfaces with special microprismatic optics. Both types are very well suited for the illumination of interiors and are used for example for lamp covers at the workplace.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Premium material for designer appliances

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Haier, a world-leading brand of major household appliances, has launched a state-of-the-art air conditioner under it's Casarte brand, utilizing ��AV’s novel continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composites. These composites are used to house the air conditioning units, which are artistically designed in the form of two standalone cylinders, providing structure and the premium aesthetic qualities known for the brand.

“As an award-winning high-end consumer appliance brand owned by Haier Group, Casarte is known for it's high quality design and materials,” says Xiongwei Li, Head of Marketing of Casarte, Haier Group. “In this context, it is only natural that an innovative material with premium qualities like CFRTP becomes the ideal choice for this premium air conditioner.”

A plastic with a metallic effect
CFRTP composites are made from ultrathin, unidirectional (UD) tapes that are laminated together at specific angles to form sheets that can be customized to specific performance criteria. The long strands of fiber are oriented and provide strength in the lengthwise direction of the fibers. The resulting thin, stiff, and lightweight yet very strong sheets look and sound like metal, but have the flexibility of a thermoplastic material. Thanks to it's unidirectional carbon texture, CFRTP lends the air conditioner a luxurious metallic effect with a sleek and beautiful surface. The overall design is modeled with Casarte’s core values by placing an emphasis on design artistry.

“Not only does this mark a pivotal step into consumer home appliances for CFRTP composites, but it brings a new premium material and exciting new design opportunities within the reach of designers,” says David Hartmann, one of the co-CEOs of ��AV CFRTP, together with Michael Schmidt.

A new premium material for designers
Traditionally composites have been known to be prohibitively costly and often difficult to work with. CFRTP changes all of this, offering a modern, cost effective and easy to form thermoplastic composite material that opens the path to completely new applications and user experience.

For the Casarte design team, it means that for the first time it has been possible to specify a high-performance composite material with unique aesthetics in their range of premium air conditioners. “Up until now, we have been quite limited in terms of material selection, typically relying on metal to provide the performance and aesthetics that we require,” says Shao Qingru, one of the CMF designers in the Casarte design team.

Attractive surface
In describing the depth and richness that Qingru sees in the surface texture of ��AV CFRTP, she points at a very tangible benefit of the material. “CFRTP is a very attractive material for us in that it has a natural, unidirectional surface pattern right from the start, unlike metals such as aluminum that requires some combination of finishing processes like sandblasting, brushing and anodizing before it is ready to go into the product. For CFRTP, the finish is all natural and has a beauty to itself.”

“Based on thermoplastics, CFRTP composites can be thermoformed with existing thermoforming tools at high yield rates and short cycle times. They are compatible with a wide range of coatings and decoration processes for designing unique surfaces, logos and other signature details. Laser-etched patterns transfer easily from steel molds,” says Michael Schmidt.

Smart air conditioning system
The Casarte air conditioner features intelligent recognition and air zoning. It comes with sensors that can detect the location of people in a room and perceive temperatures in humans so it can intelligently control the air flow and temperature in different zones based on the needs of people.

Strategic partnership
This is not the first time for ��AV’s innovative material solutions to be used in Haier products. The partnership was already forged at Haier’s foundation in 1984, when ��AV (at that time Bayer) began supplying raw materials to Haier for the thermal insulation of refrigerators. In October 2017, ��AV and Haier signed a global strategic cooperation agreement on the expansion of their decade-long partnership to a global scale, by constantly developing advanced products featuring the latest material solutions to address the market demands of the global home appliances industry.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at and .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

The perfect travel companion

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0100

For many designers, ��AV’s new CFRTP composites (continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics) are a welcome relief from the burdensome limitations that have thus far been associated with the use of traditional carbon-fiber-reinforced, lightweight materials. Impact-resistant polycarbonate matrix, high-quality feel, stylish surface and above all extreme durability as a result of customized, automatically placed carbon tapes: Thanks to ��AV CFRTP, product designers can completely re-imagine numerous everyday objects. And develop products that require fewer compromises and are much closer to the designer’s original concept. The CFRTP suitcase demonstrates what all the buzz is about.

“When I first became interested in CFRTP, the ��AV engineers asked me: ‘What do you think: what could be made from this material?’,” says Aldin Sakic. “I answered: ‘What can’t be made from it?’,” jokes the young man.

In fact, many designers currently feel downright inspired by the possibilities of ��AV CFRTP composites. Aldin Sakic is one of them: 27 years old and already co-founder and CEO of his own design studio in Frankfurt, asdo design and research studios. Despite his young age, it is only by chance and just recently that he ended up in Frankfurt – he has spent a large portion of his working life in Shanghai, where he is still well-connected.

In 2016, just after he founded his studio, he was one of the first to discover the new composite at ��AV, the Leverkusen-based materials specialist. “Without materials you cannot design,” says Sakic. That is why industrial designers are always after new materials that they can use to stay ahead of the times – and shape the future. So without further ado, he also came knocking at ��AV.

Is it really plastic? Or metal after all?
When someone there handed him the first CFRTP tapes, the material immediately felt like a minor revolution to him. “You are not as limited as you are with other materials when you want to get the most out of it. It provides almost infinite freedom!” What should be made with it then? A camera? A lightweight drone? The sketchbook filled up with ideas. In the end, a suitcase was at the top of the list.

Because those who travel often, like Sakic, know that these travel essentials can never be light enough. It’s no wonder that in recent decades the travel industry has become a real Eldorado for the application of lighter, yet more stable plastics. Sakic thought that maybe a little more progress could be made here with ��AV CFRTP. Not only is the brand new polycarbonate composite based on versatile carbon fiber tapes ultra-light, but it also does away with the many disadvantages of previous plastic solutions.

So Sakic left with a set of material samples and disappeared for a while to a materials laboratory at the Offenbach University of Art and Design. There, the product designer was particularly impressed with the ultra-light CFRTP sheets – not only due to their outstanding stability and very low weight but also because of their look, which is reminiscent of slate, even without a coat of varnish. Sakic found it to be a “very elegant, natural-looking material!” Not to mention the almost bell-like sound the material makes when you tap on it. It is really plastic – or perhaps metal after all?

Following this, the telephone lines between asdo design and the ��AV technicians lit up. But not just to patiently answer material questions: the staff members in Leverkusen were also interested to see what happens when creative minds make use of the new material, which until then had primarily passed through the hands of researchers and engineers.

That a suitcase ultimately emerged as a project was not a surprise to David Hartmann, one of two Co-CEOs of ��AV CFRTP, together with Dr. Michael Schmidt. “These products are certainly an optimal way for the material to demonstrate its strengths. Despite its very low weight, our new composite is remarkably stable and durable.”

And he adds: “Of course, in addition to this application of our new composite there will probably emerge additional benefits because it can also be processed in classic plastic mass processing methods such as compression molding, thanks to its thermoplastic matrix made of the versatile and particularly impact-resistant plastic polycarbonate. It might even make the production of premium series products with ��AV CFRTP very profitable.”

Much closer to the original concept
The carbon fiber tapes from Leverkusen can be placed into the tape laying machine exactly where you need it in the product, in order to dissipate forces. That means design freedom! The less a designer has to worry about traditional material properties, the more flexibility he or she has.

“As a result, you can completely rethink classic products,” explains Aldin Sakic. The final product is closer to the designer’s original vision. Corners no longer have to be filed down, so that the product is still stable despite the model weight.

Space for power bank & co.
And the consumer benefits too. Thanks to CFRTP, the suitcases of tomorrow can become even lighter, and they will provide more space. Or they will remain at roughly the same weight as current products from the department store shelf, but then offer an added convenience: in the form of an integrated power bank, which can be used to quickly charge your cell phone.

Or even small, fold-out screens, on which you view your vacation photos during your layover in Singapore. From a technical standpoint, this has been possible for some time; the problem thus far has been the additional weight. But if the suitcase is put on an extra diet by way of ��AV CFRTP, why not turn the simple clothing container into a capable travel companion?

And then there are still the high-quality feel and the surface of the material, which can be seen even without time-consuming and expensive varnishing, say Sakic and his ��AV colleague David Hartmann. “People are used to seeing the standard carbon look,” explains the designer. “But this slate look, this is new.” And if you want, the surface can even look like brushed metal. “The material doesn’t have to hide – quite the contrary. Also, ��AV CFRTP feels especially valuable – in contrast to many customary lightweight materials,” adds David Hartmann. “You definitely have the feeling that you own something special.”

Much more in the pipeline
There are still other ideas in Sakin’s sketchbook. For him, the CFRTP suitcase is just the first of many more projects that are currently in various stages of implementation. The final design of the new model suitcase has not yet been determined: those who want to reinvent the suitcase are now standing at the doorway to a true universe of possibilities that must first be mapped out. “Of course we already have a prototype,” says Sakic, “but we are working on an even nicer one.”

And it has already been decided that this will not be the last CFRTP project to take shape at the hands of the asdo designers. Sakic, who has also worked for research institutes in the past, knows a great deal about technical challenges: “I am sure that we will be hearing a lot about this material.”

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at and .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Making the design world resonate

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Furniture designers are always on the lookout for new materials that put a breath of fresh air into offices, conference rooms and living rooms. So the continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) made by ��AV fell on very fertile ground in this industry: they inspire the product designers not only with their extraordinary stability at the lowest-possible weight, but also with their unusual, novel aesthetics.

“An exciting, authentic material that looks very organic” is the opinion of Thorsten Frackenpohl, for example, who heads a successful design office south of Cologne. CFRTP materials could give completely new impetuses to furniture design. And with the economically efficient processing methods long established with thermoplastic plastics, they can also be efficiently produced.

Thorsten Frackenpohl pulls a heavy shelf out of the wall. It contains several handy, black containers that are brimful with things you could also find in a hobby cellar: plastic samples in all imaginable colors, sponges, cartons, wood, colorfully printed cartons. But this is no hobby workshop; its one of the hottest design offices in the Cologne area: the Noto GmbH in Hürth. The cabinet is standing in a brightly lit conference room, only separated by a glass wall from the young Noto employees workstations on whose screens some of the ultimate must-haves of tomorrow are just starting to evolve.

And Thorsten Frackenpohl, dressed in jeans, a gray sweater and a loosely-tied scarf is one of the company’s CEOs. Next he pulls out a box labeled “��AV”. It has rolls with black tape, thin black plates the size of a letter envelope, a laptop cover with the logo of the plastics-experts from the Rhineland. “That is our materials achieve,” the designer explains, “and these are sheets made of CFRTP, a completely new material with which we are experimenting right now.”

An aesthetic material
“For us it is very important to be able to touch things,” Thorsten Frackenpohl explains. “What does a material feel like, does it seem cold or warm? That is important. And listen to this,” he says as he knocks his wedding ring against a thin disc.

“We designers like to try new things. New materials open up doors to new innovations for us. And ��AV CFRTP entails some truly magnificent properties. It seems to be almost organic, making it exciting, unusual, novel. It sounds like metal but has an appearance completely different from the carbon-fiber reinforced plastics available up to now and that look gives the product a completely new optical direction. ”

In fact, nowadays if you think about parts made from conventional CFRP non-woven fabrics you would probably think of Formula One or aerospace – and you have probably had your fill. “In contrast, the fibers in the CFRTP sheets have an effect almost like wood grain – but only almost. The material is authentic; it doesn't pretend to be something it is not. It’s packed with a huge number of possibilities.”

From consumer electronics to furniture design
Some of those are furniture, chairs, or perhaps a table? Actually, the Noto designers in their stylish work loft have acquired their merits rather with products from the consumer electronics sector – in company handouts printed on thick paper you can find speaker cabinets, routers, sound systems and even snowboard boots all of which exude a chic and yet discreet charm.

The walls of the seminar rooms in the basement where the 3D printers and workplace desks are located are decorated with product ideas in various development stages. But furniture – so far, furniture has rather been ignored, and many other designers are already playing around in the field. And the first idea after the first reach for the CFRTP samples from ��AV was for something completely different anyway: drums.

Paper-thin and yet extremely stable
Since Frackenpohl has been dealing with the brand-new sheets for quite a while he quickly realized: they are far too good for just a drum set. After all, not only does the material have a surprising sound: the nearly paper-thin CFRTP sheets are most notably extremely light and nevertheless incredibly solid. “I was attracted by the idea of turning it into something where at first sight you say: that just can’t be!”

A table, for instance, that you wouldn’t trust to support everything you could put on it. That in principle you could balance on one hand – but which still surprises with a metallic sound if you put a glass on it. Or a chair that seems so delicate that at first you can’t believe what it can withstand. “As an example, it’s hardly possible to make cell phones any thinner. And they don’t need to be since they are already handy enough. But there is still plenty of design freedom for furniture.”

Furniture in carbon appearance
Frackenpohl is especially fascinated by the “formal-aesthetic appearance” of the new continuous carbon-fiber material: “There are already many simulated surfaces on the market.” On top of that, ��AV CFRTP is opening up new business doors. You can already get “carbon-look” furniture, explains Frackenpohl, but that is usually just individual projects: the fact is that classic carbon-fiber processing is very expensive.

But furniture made of CFRTP should be significantly less expensive to manufacture since a combination of the classic processing methods with injection molding and thermoforming can be drawn on; methods which are long established in the industry and which can be run with great economic efficiency. In particular, the cycle times for CFRTP are considerably shorter than when producing “classic” carbon-fiber components, which in part is still run manually and which require a lot of rework. “It might even be possible to convert on-going projects to CFRTP” says Frackenpohl: that is nearly already a “democratization” of the carbon fiber.

“The material will take off!”
But at the moment this is only tables and chairs. For the latter, Noto even already has concrete models on the starting line – Frackenpohl places some of them on the conference room table, hand-sized, with legs made of furniture-making wire and, in the basement in a corner next to the 3D printer and table saw, you can already marvel at some appropriately formed CFRTP sheets: thin like the wall of a milk carton, but already clearly recognizable as a seat.

Frackenpohl stands up and puts the ��AV sample box back in the storage room. There will probably be a lot of discussions in front of the beamer screen at the conference table on the final shape of the chair in the near future – and the table has not come much further along than the many ideas on the movable walls in the cellar seminar rooms that, covered with stickers in various colors, are waiting for their realization – at least tentatively. “In industrial design, at the end only one out of a hundred ideas is actually achieved; the rest stay in the draft stage. But ��AV CFRTP is already letting the design world resonate. As soon as the first parts go into production, things will take off,” says the materials expert from Hürth with certainty.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at and .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Going through hell to get to heaven

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Lightweight, highly resilient and ideally also attractive to look at: These are the demands that enthusiastic cyclists make on the components of their bikes today. The challenge: the synthetic resin-carbon fiber composites that are in great demand in this scene may be light and chic – but the risk of breakage is always present. With its brand-new, lightweight CFRTP composites (continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic), ��AV opens up a new chapter: they can be processed in a novel process in just one step.

Previous restrictions on synthetic resin composites, such as the mass production capability and intrinsic brittleness of the material, could soon be a thing of the past thanks to CFRTPs. The impact-resistant matrix material polycarbonate further increases safety – and the popular carbon look is also included. Last but not least, CFRTP composites also increase the cost-effectiveness of production. Time for a change of guard in the bicycle sector!

Tours with adrenaline factor
When are mountain bike tours most beautiful? Of course: on the ups and downs! It goes without saying that not only all the driver's senses are challenged as much as possible: The material also has to withstand enormous forces and shocks when shooting over roots and rocks, in tight hairpin curves and in hard landings after a jump.

This is reason enough for experienced developers such as Dr. Niccolo Pini, founder and managing director of next composites GmbH in Otelfingen, Switzerland (a company of Ensinger GmbH), to keep up with the latest materials that the market offers in order to achieve the best there is for the bikers. His latest highlight: a pedal crank made of CFRTP, the new high-performance composites in ��AV's portfolio. The part is not only extremely light and robust, but also looks great due to the coveted carbon fiber optic. Thanks to the new manufacturing possibilities of next composites, it can be reproducibly and automatically produced – with all the advantages for component quality.

True engineering work
Get on your bike, get out of the exhaust fumes of city traffic, head down fast downhill over winding paths: For engineers, some mountain bike tours mean that the rider is in the sky while the material goes through hell. Of course, no one needs a breakdown when shooting at 50 km/h, for example due to broken handlebars, frames or cranks.

"The development of components for mountain bikes is true engineering work," explains Niccolo Pini of next composites. He is also a passionate cyclist who has been thrown out of the saddle several times while pursuing his hobby. A man who knows his way around – from several perspectives.

Genuine engineering work for shooting over rough and rocky surfaces
Material failure often has a very simple reason for Pini: poor workmanship due to manual labor. "Even for simple components such as a crank, you need sixty to seventy carbon fiber blanks in classic synthetic resin processing, which have to be aligned manually in the correct order and position. This is exhausting work that requires a lot of concentration. No wonder there are quality problems." From the outside you can hardly see the black carbon part. But when it comes down to it, the break is there – and the driver goes over the handlebars.

The solution for Dr. Pini is ��AV CFRTPs – continuous carbon fibers impregnated with the high-performance plastic polycarbonate. This new composite material offers enormous strengths thanks to the fiber reinforcement, but thanks to its thermoplastic matrix, it can be processed mechanically and significantly faster than epoxy-based systems. "Machines make mistakes less often," says Pini. This means that problems with incorrectly laid carbon fiber sheets, which can lead to fractures later on, are remedied from the very beginning.

“In fact, the great strength of our CFRTP tapes is that they are not only able to absorb high forces thanks to the continuous carbon fibers," adds Dr. Michael Schmidt, who is one of two Co-CEOs of ��AV CFRTP, together with David Hartmann, "but that with their help, several conventional steps in the processing of previous carbon fiber thermoset composites can be combined in a single, fast process.” The tapes are automatically cut at precisely the required angle according to the mechanical requirements. They are then placed into a tool before the preform manufactured in this process is pressed in the next step.

High impact strength protects against fractures
In addition, there are considerable economic advantages in terms of post-treatment: traditionally manufactured composites made of synthetic resin and carbon fiber usually have to be laboriously treated with fillers, reground and polished in order to satisfy the aesthetic demands of the customers.

According to Pini, a "classic" carbon frame passes through up to 70 pairs of hands in the course of its manufacture. Approximately 120 working hours are required to bring the component so that it can be hung on the wall in the shop – and half of this time is needed for rework. With ��AV CFRTP, on the other hand, the component with a high-quality surface finish comes out of the machine practically ready for sale. And with a weight of 150 grams, the new crank is still incredibly light despite its load-bearing capacity – this is an important argument for the new material, according to Niccolo Pini, especially when it comes to moving parts in bicycle construction.

The matrix material polycarbonate also offers clear advantages. "Thanks to its high fracture toughness, this plastic is ideal for such applications," says Dr. Pini. According to the composite expert, thermoset materials such as those often used in the manufacture of carbon fiber composites, on the other hand, tend to break brittle quickly in the event of blows – this is just not enough for the stresses and strains that mountain bikes are subject to in the fields and forests. Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is also able to withstand violent blows.

CFRTPs from ��AV are "Composites 2.0"
Another advantage: The toughness of the plastic material means that metal inlays, which are commonplace with synthetic resin composites, can be largely dispensed with when processing ��AV's CFRTP tapes. Dr. Pini and his colleagues simply cut their threads into the molded crank – ready. At present, they only need a single inlay – and that too should soon be a thing of the past. "We are gradually approaching the goal of doing without aluminum inlays altogether," says the manager, "in order to make the crank even lighter at the end."

CFRTP is a new material whose maximum performance potential has yet to be explored by the engineers. In this way, Pini also takes the wind out of the sails of critics who did not have the best experiences with thermoplastic materials in bicycle construction in the 1990s: "With CFRTP, ��AV has practically reinvented carbon fiber composites!” The specialists of the plastics company are happy to pass on their knowledge: "We have received a competent answer to every question," says the Swiss engineer.

��AV is also proud of the project. "This was one of our first orders and the best opportunity for us to bring our unidirectional CFRTP tapes into a fascinating application," says Dr. Michael Schmidt.

"��AV is also a very reliable consulting partner – and I have been working in this industry for 15 years," says Dr. Pini. No wonder that the committed bike fan is already thinking about further projects with the new material from the high-end materials factory in Leverkusen. ��AV also sees a whole range of new opportunities for CFRTP tapes – in addition to the sports sector, there are also opportunities in the automotive sector, electronics, medical technology and other sectors. The chances are good, because the demand for lightweight yet stable, cost-effective plastic components is growing worldwide.

About ��AV:
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

Find more information at and .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Composites for economical lightweight construction

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Fiber-reinforced composites are becoming increasingly important worldwide. This actually comes as no surprise, as the demand for lightweight materials with high strength is increasing in more and more industries. The number of new composite applications is correspondingly large, also as a replacement for conventional materials such as metal or wood. New properties also add to the range of possible applications.

��AV has been involved in the development of material solutions for composite materials for many years. Be it miniaturized electronic products, thermally insulated facades or wind power plants: energy and resource-saving composites, together with efficient manufacturing technologies, are among the core components of ��AV's sustainability concept.

At the composite industry's international performance show, the JEC World 2018 from March 6 to 8 in Paris, the company will be presenting lightweight, rigid and aesthetic materials and efficient processes for their production at Stand C28 in Hall 5.

New high-tech material

��AV has developed a completely new composite technology for the efficient production of particularly thin, lightweight, high-strength yet aesthetic parts. It is based on continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) made of polycarbonate. ��AV produces tapes and sheets for further processing by customers and has now significantly expanded its production capacity at Markt Bibart to supply the world from there.

Especially in the electronics industry, the trend is towards thinner and thinner housings, e. g. for laptops and smartphones. Laptop lids can be manufactured from CFRTP plates in a single-stage process, enabling shorter cycle times and significant cost savings. Compared to magnesium alloys, they are around 15 percent lighter and can be equipped with aesthetic surface structures.

Wind power rotor blade nearly 60 meters long

The expansion of renewable energy sources such as wind energy continues to progress. Even more intensive use requires a more cost-efficient production of wind turbines.

��AV has developed a special polyurethane infusion resin for rotor blades. In combination with reinforcing glass fibers and an efficient vacuum manufacturing process, it enables shorter cycle times and thus cost advantages. The resin developed in China has been awarded DNV-GL certification - a prerequisite for entering the Chinese wind power industry.

In China, a new prototype of a rotor blade with a blade length of 59.5 meters has now been produced. ��AV wants to produce more blades with even longer blade lengths in order to enable an even more efficient use of wind energy.

Composite material for facade insulation

In the BeNeLux region, strict specifications apply with regard to the thermal efficiency of the building envelope. Curtain-type ventilated facades are widespread, especially in office and industrial buildings there. With today's material solutions, the ever-increasing requirements can only be met with thicker insulation material or not at all.

For the regional situation, FISCO composite solutions company in Zusmarshausen, Germany, together with further partners, has now developed a new wall bracket that meets the requirements and which significantly facilitates the assembly process. The mounting system is part of the substructure for curtain-type ventilated facades and consists of two different elements: a core made of glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) which carries the load of dead weight and wind from the facade into the masonry, and a cylindrical insulation board which encloses the GFRP core and improves the insulating effect.

Fire-resistant polyurethane material

Due to its outstanding fire protection and good mechanical properties, FISCO composite solutions uses the Desmocomp^® material from ��AV as matrix material for the GFRP core. The aliphatic polyurethane resin was developed primarily for outdoor applications, as it has very good weather resistance. The single-component system can be easily processed using the pultrusion process.

Waterborne polyurethane dispersions from the Baybond^® line are used as film formers in glass and carbon fiber sizings for thermoplastic composite materials. The dispersions boast very good film formation, elasticity, adhesion and yellowing stability and ensure good mechanical stability of the composite. What’s more, some Baybond^® products are also approved for contact with foods. ��AV is also working on new products for thermosetting applications.

About ��AV:

Find more information at and .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Material partner of the medical equipment industry

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Chemical resistance and flame retardancy are key factors in material selection for medical equipment housings. ��AV offers a range of medical-grade materials that help today’s medical device manufacturers meet physical, chemical and environmental requirements.

Makroblend^® M4000 FR PC+PBT blend offers flame retardancy of V-0 at a thickness of 2 millimeters in the UL94 safety of flammability standard of Underwriters Laboratories, and 5VA at a thickness of 3 millimeters, and has superior chemical resistance.

Special requirements
The material is appropriate for skin contact applications and is biocompatible according to ISO 10993-5 (Cytotoxicity) and ISO10993-10 (Irritation and Sensitization). Other advantages include high toughness, reduced susceptibility to stress cracking, good flowability and high tensile modulus.

Due to these outstanding properties, Merz Pharma (), a global aesthetics and neurotoxin company headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, selected Makroblend^® M4000 FR PC+PBT blend from ��AV for the housing of the motor module of its Cellfina^® System. It is the only FDA-cleared, minimally invasive procedure shown to improve the appearance of cellulite for up to three years.

“We worked closely with Merz to select high-quality, proven materials for the system by providing chemical data, test plaques and custom color matching,” explains Richard Aldrich, business development manager – Southwest region, Polycarbonates, ��AV LLC. “The motor module is disinfected between uses with aggressive disinfectant wipes and needed the superior chemical resistance provided by the polycarbonate blend. This combined with the flame retardance of the material made it a superior choice for the product.”

Polycarbonate with good processing properties
The Cellfina^® System also features Makrolon^® 2458 polycarbonate in the sterilized disposable parts used with the system. This polycarbonate is ideal for medical devices as it is biocompatible according to many ISO 10993-1 test requirements. The lightweight material has easy-release properties and low viscosity for ease of processing.

Both Makroblend^® M4000 FR PC+PBT blend and Makrolon^® 2458 polycarbonate are durable enough to protect the device’s electronic components, yet are still aesthetically pleasing.

“Our role showcases commitment from ��AV to provide innovative solutions and technical support that meet the rigorous needs of the medical device industry,” says Lauren Zetts, North America market manager, Medical and Consumer Products – Polycarbonates, ��AV LLC.

Attendees at MD&M West Conference and Exposition (), Feb. 6-8, in Anaheim, California, can visit the company’s booth (#2221) for more details about medical applications and materials from ��AV.

About ��AV:
With 2016 sales of EUR 11.9 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 15,600 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2016.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Innovative materials for future lightweight construction

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0200

Lightweight materials are in greater demand than ever – and not just in the automotive industry. Manufacturers of electronic devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones also want to slim down their products. The advantages are obvious: while consumers appreciate light, thin devices, manufacturers also benefit from lower shipping costs while reducing their logistics-related ecological footprint.

��AV has developed a sophisticated composite technology that opens the door to a sustainable future for lightweight products. It is based on continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP) in combination with a highly efficient production method. The company recently received this year's European Plastics Innovation Award for its composite “A-Cover” for next-generation laptops. The development took second place in the category “Best Lightweight Innovation.”

Pushing the boundaries
“Winning this prize confirms that we have truly pushed the boundaries with our CFRTPs, in order to meet the needs of tomorrow,” says Dr. Michael Schmidt, who, together with David Hartmann, heads the Thermoplastic Composites department at ��AV. “These composites are ideally suited for producing thinner, lighter and yet more robust parts for IT devices.”

David Hartmann particularly highlights the major weight advantage: “Compared to a conventional magnesium-aluminum alloy, we achieve weight reductions of approximately 15 percent. And the A-Cover composite exhibits the same good bending and torsional rigidity as the metallic material.” Moreover, CFRTPs meet Underwriters Laboratories' flammability standard of V-0.

Contemporary design
The composites give product designers an unprecedented degree of design freedom. For example, various combinations of resin and carbon or glass fibers can be used for optical effects. Textures can also be created, for example within the mold or by sandblasting, CNC milling and laser cutting.

The A-Cover composites come close to achieving the quality of a Class-A surface. An environmentally friendly water-based two-component finish with optimal adhesion to polycarbonate substrates provides the visual upgrade and permits individual design.

Fast and efficient production
By utilizing a “single mold manufacturing” concept, ��AV is able to combine the three conventional steps of preheating, thermoforming and functional integration into a single process. The results are twofold: substantially lower costs and shorter cycle times.

The European Plastics Innovation Award was instituted by the pan-European trade association PlasticsEurope and the Society of Plastics Engineers, SPE. The awards honor companies that use plastics to develop new ideas, methods, products or technologies that meet the needs of society while respecting the demands of sustainability.

About ��AV:
With 2016 sales of EUR 11.9 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites around the globe and employs approximately 15,600 people (full-time equivalents) as of the end of 2016.

Find more information at and .

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV's public reports, which are available on the ��AV website at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Competent partner for medical technology

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0200

At Compamed 2017 in Düsseldorf, Germany, ��AV will be presenting itself as a key supplier of raw materials and partner to the medical technology sector. One focus of booth H30 in Hall 8b will be on Baymedix^® polyurethane raw materials for state-of-the-art wound care. These materials are breathable and enable optimal moisture management in wound dressings in addition to offering design options. Customers can create added value through innovation and differentiation, thus increasing their competitiveness.

These raw materials are used, for example, in absorbent foams manufactured from Baymedix^® FP, adhesives with skin contact made of Baymedix^® A and films based on the waterborne products Baymedix^® FD and CD. Directly coating the film with adhesive or foam decreases the number of laminating steps, and optimized drying times ensure efficiency in production. The processes are also sustainable because waste is reduced and solvents are not used.

Polycarbonates for a wide range of requirements
The polycarbonate Makrolon^® has long proven itself in the medical technology field. Its balanced properties – such as exceptional transparency and impact resistance – make it a safe and durable material for housing components.

Several variants of this material have also passed biocompatibility tests, as required for such applications, and thus meet the criteria of ISO 10993-1. Together with the polycarbonate Apec^®, which is stable at high temperatures, Makrolon^® medical technology products are suitable for various forms of sterilization.

Wearables with intelligence and comfort
Digitalization is now common in many areas of medical technology. For example, one important trend is the use of wearables – small electronic devices that are affixed to the skin like a patch, providing support for consumers participating in sports and leisure activities or treating medical conditions. In view of their enormous market potential, Compamed is presenting these devices separately at booth A23 in Hall 15.

There, ��AV will showcase integrated and sustainable materials solutions that increase the comfort of electronic patches and provide additional areas of application. In addition to standard functions, such as measuring heart rate, in the future they will also help with medical diagnoses and treatments and deliver medications in accurate dosages. This would require them to remain on the skin for extended periods and be comfortable to wear. With the help of an intelligent combination of materials, ��AV is able to produce wearables that cling gently to the skin, and are also breathable and hypoallergenic.

Versatile TPU films
Platilon^® TPU blown film is sought after in medical applications, due to its comfort, e.g. breathability, stretch, soft haptics, hypoallergenics, design (e.g. printable, colors) and customisation to fit the converter’s production process, e.g. thickness range, tailored carriers and release force. Additional functionality includes low melting (95-105 deg C) or water vapor barrier.

About ��AV:
With 2016 sales of EUR 11.9 billion, ��AV 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, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. ��AV has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 15,600 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2016.

Find more information at .

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV's public reports, which are available on the ��AV website at . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Innovative, high-strength polycarbonates

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0100

��AV and NANODAX Co., Ltd. have signed an agreement on the development of innovative polycarbonate composites reinforced with glass wool. Tokyo-based NANODAX has developed a special process for the manufacture of these products. Conventionally, glass fibers are used for reinforcing thermoplastics such as polycarbonate. However, the new technology developed by NANODAX and their know-how enabled the use of glass wool as reinforcing filler for plastics. It has a small diameter and is more flexible than glass fibers. ��AV is a leading global supplier of polycarbonates and has comprehensive expertise in their processing and application. Both companies see good prospects for future use of the reinforced plastics in automotive, IT and electronics applications.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with NANODAX to advance such an exciting compound technology,” said Dr. Michael Schmidt, Head of Business Development for Polycarbonates Asia Pacific at ��AV. “Our development cooperation is targeting diverse application areas for polycarbonates reinforced with glass wool, and will open up new prospects for both companies. In particular, we are aiming at advantages in surface appearance and material processing. Cost reductions for customers are expected through an optimized injection molding manufacturing process.”

NANODAX Chairman and Executive Director Masanori Fujita added, “Together with ��AV, we aim to introduce our new materials and new technology to the global market. We value the global presence and technical expertise of our partner.”

The joint development work will be performed primarily at ��AV´s Polymer Research & Development Center (PRDC) in Shanghai, China.

About ��AV:
With 2015 sales of EUR 12.1 billion, ��AV 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. ��AV, formerly Bayer MaterialScience, has 30 production sites around the globe and as of the end of 2015 employed approximately 15,800 people (full-time equivalents).

About NANODAX:
NANODAX Co., Ltd was the first to industrialize glass wool reinforced resins in the world and is now pushing forward various resin reinforcement technology developments. NANODAX is a venture company with a portfolio including heating-style glass wool charging system technology, a special additive on the nano level, incombustible, ultra lightweight glass wool board with very good thermal insulation properties, and sound isolation.

Find more information at .
Follow us on Twitter:

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ��AV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ��AV’s public reports which are available on the ��AV website at . ��AV assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

����AV Press

Renewable raw materials for plastics production

Promoting the use of sustainable materials

5G – key technology for the networked world

New telecommunications infrastructure

Flexibility in antenna design

New film solution for 5G smartphones

About ����AV:

Forward-looking statements

����AV breaks ground on new production line in Thailand

Powerful and safe battery home storage

High requirements for stationary and mobile applications

Polycarbonate blends with tailored properties

Broad range of products

Film solutions for forgery-proof ID documents

Sonnenwagen – the success story goes on

Polycarbonate protects the heart of electric mobility

Introducing new solutions for needle-free injection technology

Front module concept in a new design

Innovative plastics for future trends

����AV introduces brand name for thermoplastic composites

����AV supports sustainable urban development

Megacities as a challenge and opportunity

Solar Decathlon China: holistic residential solutions in demand

Sophisticated construction concepts

In focus: renewable energies

Worldwide competition for solar construction

About ����AV:

Forward-looking statements

Pushing boundaries with up-to-date train interiors

Brunel University student wins Design Innovation in Plastics competition with balcony shelf product

The football world as the guest in Europe's third largest stadium

����AV joins Composite Application Center in Singapore

Every biker would love to live out of this suitcase

A versatile plastic for glasses

Designer-look air conditioning systems

Polycarbonate sheets "shape" the path of light

Plastic solutions for LED lighting technology

Premium material for designer appliances

The perfect travel companion

Making the design world resonate

Going through hell to get to heaven

Composites for economical lightweight construction

New high-tech material

Wind power rotor blade nearly 60 meters long

Composite material for facade insulation

Fire-resistant polyurethane material

About ����AV:

Forward-looking statements

Material partner of the medical equipment industry

Innovative materials for future lightweight construction

Competent partner for medical technology

Innovative, high-strength polycarbonates

��AV Press

About ��AV:

��AV breaks ground on new production line in Thailand

��AV introduces brand name for thermoplastic composites

��AV supports sustainable urban development

About ��AV:

��AV joins Composite Application Center in Singapore

About ��AV: