Plastics 1 2006 EN PDF

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Seite 1
The international plastics magazine from BASF
plastics 1/2006
www.plasti
cs-magazin
Chemistry on four wheels

the polymer world in cars
Luigi Colani
an interview with the design icon
Wood or not wood?
Elastopan Feel Wood
BASF Plastics
key to your success
e.com
Plastics_01_06_E.qxd
19.06.2006
15:11 Uhr
Ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s
Title
From the Laboratory to the engine
compartment
Faster to the finish lineintelligent solutions for the
automotive industry
News
Walk of Ideas- Giant shoe made
of Neopor
BASF acquires SAN business from
Lanxess
A new product for
medical technology
Award for BASF in Brasil
02
08
10
10
11
11
Record year
12
Summer clothes for the snow
13
Seite 2
From
the laboratory
to the
engine
compartment
teel is yesterdays news. When it comes to the vehi-
cles of the future, the number one automotive mate-
Clear road ahead

for designer traffic lights
14
rial is rapidly losing ground: plastics are taking over
more and more tasks that used to be the exclusive domain
The traffic light guy

From a simple sign to a cult figure
16
of metals. And this is only one example of a much wider

trend: chemistry gives you a better ride
World Cup fever
18
At times, language really lags behind the times. When people say
Eco? Logical!
20
gas guzzler, they are still referring to gasoline-powered vehicles.
Explosion of colors
21
But what about chrome bumpers? The times, they are a-changing. Of course, web search engines still yield millions of hits for
these terms, be it in personal ads, driving reports or repair instruc-
To recandle the imagination of

those down there - interview with
Luigi Colani
22
So, an old house?
27
True beauty lies within
28
Attention! Optical illusion!
30
tions. Admittedly, our guzzlers still need gas but chrome

bumpers arent around anymore and havent been for several
decades now. Instead of a piece of metal screwed to the front of
the vehicle, nowadays cars cruise the streets sporting a complex
high-tech ensemble of plastics such as polyurethane, polypropylene and polyamide.
And it is no different elsewhere in or on our cars: a fender today
Train station from One Thousand and

One Nights
32
actually a sidewall is no longer necessarily made of steel, while

the glass of the headlights has long since been replaced by
Knee protection on four wheels
34
What the heart of the computer

yearns for
36
Squaring the Circle
38
Fax response
39
Imprint
39
transparent plastics.
Without chemistr y, cars would not run

What has happened? It is very simple, Cars have always been
high-tech products par excellence, for which state-of-the-art
materials were barely good enough, says
someone who really ought to know,
namely, Raimar Jahn, head of
the automotive steering committee of BASF and a triedand-true expert in everything hav-
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Seite 3
Did you know that

by the year 2020, twenty-five percent
of every new vehicle will consist of
polymeric plastic?
the percentage by weight of plastic
in a typical mid-sized car is between
12% and 14% nowadays?
reducing the vehicle weight by 10%
Title
translates into 5% to 7% less fuel

consumption?
for every kilogram by which the
weight of a car is reduced, the environment is spared 25.3 kilograms of
carbon dioxide emissions over the
entire service life of the car?
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Title
Seite 4
ing to do with the plastics and chemical
Leather is tanned so as to be soft, dyed
products traveling our highways and
and imparted with a high gloss using reac-
Dear Readers,
byways. So, the best for a car is just barely
tants from the chemical laboratory. Dash-
Would you have known that, despite all
good enough? That has certainly not
boards make use of polyamide and
efforts to the contrary, cars have become
changed at all; today, too, materials that
polyurethane.
30 percent heavier on the average over
ensure top-notch performance are
And under the hood, there is an entire
the past thirty years? Even though ever-
employed for luxury cars as well as for
polymer world temperature-resistant
lighter materials are employed, this is
family saloons. With ever greater frequency,
plastics function right next to the engine
more than offset by the installation of
these materials are the brain children of the
block, which keeps getting hotter because
more and more new components such as
think tanks in the chemical industry. They
of the shrinking space available and the
automatic windows, seatbelt tensioners,
help make cars lighter in weight and thus
ever-greater power of engines. Cable
airbags. Ever better, ever smarter, ever
more economical. And better-looking, too.
sheathing, insulating materials, gaskets,
stronger. Finding the right solution for this
They enhance driving comfort and keep
various aggregates ranging from the fuel
dilemma is the task of BASFs Automotive
manufacturers competitive.
pump to the air intake all made of plas-
Steering Committee, which we will be
Coatings normally polyurethanes con-
tic. And they all hold operating fluids
introducing to you in this issue.
taining pigments made by the chemical
coolant, anti-freeze, brake fluid, fuel, lubri-
Some call him a design fanatic, others a
industry, are becoming smarter and
cants which either come completely from
utopian. Luigi Colani and run-of-the-mill?
smarter. There are even coatings that are
the laboratory or else are optimized for
Unthinkable. plastics magazine talked with
capable of healing fine scratches. Door
maximum performance using know-how
the eternally young old master of design
handles, radiator grilles and mirror hous-
from chemistry books. Today, every car on
about BASFs new design factory and
ings are all made of high-strength engi-
the road contains an average of 800 euros
about all the things he still wants to chan-
neering plastics, for instance, from the
worth of chemical products ranging from
ge during his lifetime.
polyamide family. Some cars already con-
adhesives to the catalytic converter.
If you feel so inclined, let yourself be
tain more than 20 kilograms of it. Seats are
Vehicles are now leaving the production
swept away by Colanis revolutionary
made of polyurethane foams which, by
line with a few dozen plastics replacing
vision.
the way, can also be found in the inner
considerably heavier metals, in other
workings of some bumper systems. Uphol-
words, helping to save fuel. Experts esti-
Have fun
stery is rendered durable and abrasion-
mate that by 2020, every new vehicle will
The Editors
proof by means of special coatings.
consist of one-fourth polymeric materials.
plastics inside
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Seite 5
Title
Backround
A few noteworthy facts about cars

Almost 60 million lightweight vehicles
around 11.7 million vehicles. A surprising
(passenger cars, off-road vehicles, vans
fact is that China saw about 4.1 million
and small trucks, for instance, pickup
vehicles roll off its assembly lines; it is pro-
trucks) were produced in 2004, 43 million
jected that this Asian giant will already
of which were passenger cars. Germany,
catch up with Germany this year. The
the largest producer in Europe, contribu-
potential in the markets of the Far East is
ted 5.1 million vehicles that year (western
enormous. In Europe, just about every
Europe, the worlds most active region
other person owns a car whereas in Asia,
accounted for almost 16.4 million vehi-
the per capita vehicle ownership is lower
cles). The United States manufactured
by a factor of 25.
No wonder that BASF specialists such as
Jahn. In 2005, BASF attained about 10
BASF polyamides can withstand tempera-
Jahn project annual growth rates of eight
percent of its total sales a staggering 42,7
ture peaks of up to 240C (464F), a value
percent or more for polyamide, poly-
billion euros by selling products to the
that is a mere 20C (36F) below the natu-
oxymethylene and polyether sulfone in
automotive industry. In future, this group of
ral melting point of this material, explains
European automotive construction.
products will be offered to the automotive
Raimar Jahn.
industry using the slogan BASF Automotive
The coating also reveals what is high-tech:
Solutions. Performance Passion Success.
Jahn gladly shows his visitors two coated
This is a declaration that all divisions within
metal plates that are the spitting image of
the entire BASF Group support a uniform
each other, except that the coating layer on
market presence in this sector.
one is much thinner than on the other one
All from
a single source
Speaking of BASF, even though at first
glance the above-mentioned areas of application seem to have little in common, they
have not been selected totally at random.
due to the elimination of an entire coating
Pushing materials
to the limit
Materials and chemicals made by BASF are
layer. This translates into significant material

savings when one looks at the whole car.
This year also marks the introduction of
in all of them, says Raimar Jahn. Ultramid,
And if Jahn has his way, this will continue
seats that can be easily put together with
Cellasto, Glysantin, Neopolen,
to be the case. However, the evolution to
three plastic components rather than by
Elastollan, Dyexact, Astacin, Corial,
the chemical car is not a given, warns
tediously welding them together with 23
Lepton, Luran and Terluran in all likeli-
this expert on chemicals. Lets once again
metal parts. How about components that
hood, you car is also driven by BASF. On
look at the example of plastic: wherever
already come out of the injection-molding
top of it all, BASF coatings provide the nec-
metals could be replaced by Ultradur and
machine with permanently built-in electron-
essary touch of color.
the like in a jiffy, this has already long
ics, thus rendering cables superfluous?
The automotive industry occupies a promi-
since happened. Where this has not yet
These exist already. Nanotechnology for
nent place within the broad spectrum of
taken place, some real effort will have to be
plastic parts with particularly thin walls? All
BASF customers. Today, Automotive
invested. However, this is a challenge that
possible. And already on the market.
accounts for our second largest sales vol-
the chemists and engineers at BASF are
And despite all this excellence in the realm
ume, only being surpassed by the General
glad to take on. With an eye towards get-
of chemicals and raw materials, users can
Chemicals sector with its innumerable raw
ting even closer to the engine, they have
only benefit from all of these products if
materials, which a global player in the realm
made their plastics more and more resist-
they have been optimally fine-tuned for
of chemistry like BASF has on tap, explains
ant to the impact of heat. Already now,
their areas of application. This is why the
19.06.2006
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Seite 6
Title
motto at BASFs global headquarters in
plastic is UV-stable. BASF supplied not only
customers. For purposes of helping engi-
Ludwigshafen, Germany, is Cooperation as
the Luran S granules but also the know-
neers at Adam Opel GmbH in Rssels-
soon as possible. An example among
how for the clever design of the mold. The
heim, Germany to improve expensive crash
many, many others, is the radiator grille of
outcome of this cooperation: In spite of its
tests, BASF employees worked hard to
the VW Golf R 32. For the black areas on
complex structure, the part can be injection
acquire the material data needed so that
the front of this 250-HP road runner, Volks-
molded without any problem, elaborates
the costly experiments could be transferred
wagen AG and its supplier SLM Kunst-
Thomas Brsch, managing director of SLM.
to computers. The result was better protec-
stofftechnik, located in Oebisfeld, Germany,
We were even able to meet VWs require-
tion for pedestrians since the optimized
have decided on BASFs plastic Luran S:
ment for the easiest possible assembly.
Ultramid part helps to reduce the risk of
plenty of color even without coating and the
And even when things get more abstract,
severe knee injuries in case of a collision
colors stay true for years on end since the
BASF personnel knows how to assist their
with people.
BASFs Automotive Steering Committee
BASFs Automotive Steering Committee,
this objective. All of the members of this
a market approach that is grounded in reali-
also known as GASC, which stands for
body are senior executives and have excel-
ty and, thanks to the interdisciplinary coop-
Global Automotive Steering Committee, has
lent connections to the central manage-
eration among our experts working togeth-
been in existence for more than five years
ment structures of BASF. The regions of
er with the partners of the automotive
now. Its stated goal is to promote and
NAFTA, Europe and Asia are represented
industry, life can then be breathed into the
improve BASFs cooperation with the auto-
here and so are decision makers from R&D
cars of the future.
motive industry. This means not only
as well as from the operating divisions of
showing presence at the OEMs and their
styrenics, engineering plastics,
suppliers but also setting the correct course
polyurethane, coatings and finishing chemi-
Working together rather

than parallel to each other
within the company and steering BASFs
cals. In order to make sure that the GASC
The crux of the matter is that the organiza-
innovation drive.
pursues ideas that are feasible, the steering
tional structure promotes cooperation
The structure and composition of GASC
committee collaborates closely with the
among engineers, chemists and marketing
have been configured with an eye towards
individual operating divisions. This ensures
experts of the individual operating divisions.
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Seite 7
Title
Contest
Moments of unlimited freedom

Unrestricted mobility what symbolizes this feeling more
than the automobile? A digital camera could come in handy
to capture this moment of unlimited free-dom. So that you
can record every instant in image and sound, we will be
hold-ing a drawing for a Sony Digi-Cam DSC-T7 among the
first one hundred respondents.
BASF has a lot to offer to car manufactur-
Simply send us the return fax (see the flap at the end of the
ers, summarizes Raimar Jahn. By the way,
magazine) or enter online
this also applies to those who are attempt-
at www.
ing to cure cars of their addiction to gaso-
plastics-magazine.com
line for example, by powering them with
Good luck!
fuel cells, natural gas or hydrogen. Who

knows, perhaps one day the expression
Employees of BASF are
gas guzzler will be as obsolete as
not permitted to partici-
chrome bumper.
pate. All decisions are final.
Further information:
www.automotive.basf.com
This approach means that specialists can
might be able to help them out. In fact,
right time. Once a commitment had been
fully utilize BASFs broad spectrum of prod-
solutions that had not yet been thought of
made, the steering committee itself then
ucts, taking advantage of the synergies cre-
out there can be offered to the cus-
springs into action once again. When a
ated in this process. For a number of years
tomers. Moreover, key account managers
customer has decided to utilize BASFs
now, experts have been networked with
also retain an overview when new materials
sector competence, the GASC makes sure
thirteen key account managers who, in a
for such complex products as automobiles
that this does not remain merely lip service.
manner of speaking, mirror the automotive
are going to make their debut. After all, any-
Its members, all the way to the executive
sector inside BASF. These key account
thing that is going to be a big hit in cars
board level, will see to it that important
managers each one reporting directly to a
tomorrow has to already fit the bill today.
decisions are implemented with the neces-
member of the steering committee are
Very precisely. And right from the start. Oth-
sary staying power, for instance, when a
there to see to the needs of the major
erwise, other materials will win the race
new contract with an automotive manufac-
OEMs and tier-one companies in the sec-
even though they are not necessarily the
turer means that the production of a given
tor; they know which challenges their cus-
best ones from a technical standpoint but
material has to be quadrupled and this, in
tomers face and which BASF developments
just happened to be in the right place at the
fact, has already happened.
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Seite 8
Title
Faster to the finish line

From a technical standpoint, cars are extremely complex products.
Their development has long since become such a demanding undertaking that
success on the market can only be attained if we all pull together, right from the
start. Raimar Jahn, chairman of BASFs Automotive Steering Committee, explains
how BASF offers car manufacturers intelligent solutions for their business.
lastics: Mr. Jahn, BASF has created structures aimed
Do you see the Automotive Steering Committee as the
at better and more effectively cooperating with the
moving force behind innovation?
automotive industry. Does this mean that your cus-
Yes, thats how we see ourselves, and I believe this is also how
tomers will now have to adapt?
our customers perceive us. And this will remain so in the same
manner as the contact persons on the technician level remained
Raimar Jahn: No, on the contrary. We are adapting so that we can
the same for our customers, even after the steering committee
assist our customers even better. After all, the sector is also
has been set up. As one of the largest chemical companies in the
changing. For instance, in recent years, the development cycles in
world and with our uniquely broad product line, we are in a posi-
the automotive industry have become increasingly shorter while
tion to both recognize and offer innovation potentials which can
vehicles are getting more and more individualized and complex.
become a true added value from the vantage point of car manu-
The result is that our know-how as a producer of raw materials
facturers. In this manner, we help our partners to be even more
has become ever more important for car manufacturers since
successful.
many of these tasks can only be mastered with highly innovative

materials, which have to be painstakingly adapted to the envis-
How can customers tap into this know-how?
aged applications at the earliest point in time possible so as to
Lets have a look at what we are already doing for our numer-ous
yield optimal performance. Today, innovations are only feasible if
partners. With our strategic orientation, we are endeavoring to
the strong points of all parties involved are already combined well
create a cohesive whole, combining all of the developments that
in advance during the development phase. So, the logical step for
until now were pursued independently of each other. Our global
us was to create precisely the structures that users need to opti-
key account managers are well informed about all of BASFs
mally tap into our knowledge.
ongoing projects with their OEM or tier-one companies, be it in
19.06.2006
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Seite 9
Title
Raimer Jahn, chairman

of BASF`s Automotive
Steering Committee.
coating development, textile finishing or innovations under the
Car seats are another example since in this case, the system con-
hood. Such an interdisciplinary approach often reveals that our
cept is particularly relevant. The incredible diversity of materials
customers reach the finish line faster when they take advantage of
that we are in a unique position to offer on the market gives our
BASFs in-house synergies. But we also organize events, Tech
customers the following benefits: seat shells made of engineering
Days as well as innovation workshops at our customers facilities,
plastics make seats lighter and cheaper, textile finishing chemicals
not only to show them on site which concepts and solutions are
make upholstery more durable, and polyurethane foams greatly
already viable today, but also to stimulate new ideas. Last but not
improve sitting comfort.
least, we also want to learn how to better look at our own prod-
It is a well-known fact that the industry has long since been asked
ucts through the eyes of the automotive industry so as to proac-
to come up with such complete solutions; we now can fulfill this
tively come up with new ideas that our partners can then put to
wish to satisfaction since we have tackled this issue from several
good use.
angles.
Could you give us a few examples of this?
In other words, BASF not only offers solutions but also
We could not possibly have developed plastics that can be coat-
learns from its customers?
ed online in other words, that can withstand the oven tempera-
Absolutely! Otherwise, none of this would make any sense. We
tures commonly encountered during the coating process if we
want a win-win situation together with our partners. Only when we
had not been able to combine plastics and coating operations
know what our customers want can we help them meet their
under one roof. Here, two operating divisions that otherwise func-
challenges and enhance our partnership in a way that bears fruit
tion completely independently of each other, have complemented
for both parties.
each other to a T.
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Seite 10
News
10
Walk of Ideas
Giant shoe made of Neopor unveiled in Berlin

BASF is involved in the Land of Ideas, an initiative sponsored by the German government, commerce and industry
in conjunction with the World Cup in
Germany. BASF sculptures made of
Neopor are making a highly visible contribution to the art event titled Walk of
Ideas. Huge sculptures symbolizing
German inventiveness have been set up at
prominent locations throughout Berlin. The
first work of art, a pair of shoes, was
unveiled on March 10 in Spreebogen Park
between the German Chancellery and the
new Berlin Central Station.
The sculpture, titled The Modern Football
Shoe, is meant to commemorate the Miracle of Bern in 1954, when Germany surprisingly won the World Cup in Bern,
Switzerland. Football shoes with screw-in cleats appeared in
After unveiling the sculpture: Dr. Michael Rogowski, Otto Schily,
the early 1950s but the official supplier of the German team
Jrgen R. Thumann, Mike de Vries, Horacio Sevilla-Borja, Oliver
back then, Adolf Dassler, combined them with lightweight
Brggen (from left to right).
materials, so that the shoes gave the German players

greater mobility and speed.
The raw material for the exhibits has to meet special
requirements. It should be lightweight and easy to process.
Ta k e o v e r
This is why BASF used Neopor. Outside companies then

turned this innovative insulating material into modern
challenge and this where BASF Coatings came up with the
BASF acquires SAN business from Lanxess

in Europe and South America
right solution.
BASF is to acquire Lanxess business with styrene-acrylonitrile
Additional information on the production of the shoe can be
(SAN) copolymers in Europe and South America. The deal
found on the Internet under Land of Ideas.
involves a total of approximately 14,000 metric tons SAN per
sculptures. The coating of the works of art posed a special
year. Both companies agreed not to disclose details of the

sales price. The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
The transaction involves the transfer of customer lists, licenses
for patents and know-how as well as inventory. The agreement
is not associated with the transfer of production sites or personnel. BASF will serve the acquired business from existing
production capacities at its Ludwigshafen site. Lanxess and
BASF will cooperate closely to ensure the smooth supply of
products and technical services for all customers.
19.06.2006
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Seite 11
11
News
Formulation constancy and much more
A new product joins the service package for medical technology

On February 1 of this year, BASF launched another plastic spe-
dance with international standards as well as technical support
cialty for the field of medical technology. Terluran HD-15 is an
for applications.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) that is being marketed with

a service package tailor-made for the requirements of medical
technology. This material belongs to the PlasticsPlus product
line of the Styrene Plastics Operating Division. The abbreviation
HD stands for Health Care and Diagnostics.
Up until now, BASF had bundled its service package for medical technology with its transparent plastic Terlux 2802 HD
(MABS). Features of this package are long-term formulation
constancy, product purity and a wide array of basic experiments on chemical compatibility. The service package was
well received by our MABS customers, so we have now
expanded it to include our newly developed Terluran HD-15,
explains Dr. Axel Gottschalk, Business Manager for ABS specialties. An essential difference from a standard ABS also lies in
the guarantee that customers will be informed at least 24
months in advance about any changes to the formulation that
might become necessary. We could not provide this assurance of formulation constancy for a standard ABS, explains Dr.
Gottschalk. Another component of the service package
includes biocompatibility testing for the raw material in accor-
Vision 2015 fulfilled
Award for BASF in Brazil

Jos Vaz, Director of the Thermoplastics Division in South
Vision 2015, which is to create the best team in this industry,
America, has been recognized by Siresp (Trade Union of the
said Vaz after the presentation ceremony.
Brazilian Plastics Industry) with the Funaro Trophy 2005. Upon
Brazil, with a volume of 5 million metric tons annually, is the
the occasion of the 23rd National Plastics Meeting, Jos Vaz
largest plastic producer in South America and ranks eighth in
received this award, named after Brazilian politician Dlson
the world. BASF is of the opinion that the plastics market in
Domingos Funaro. I am honoured to accept this, the most
Brazil still has plenty of room to grow: the annual per capita
prestigious award in the Brazilian plastics sector. It motivates
consumption of plastics in Brazil amounts to 23.2 kg, only
me to continue with my commitment to the plastics industry in
one-fourth that of Europe or the United States, so that the
Brazil. This award demonstrates that BASF has put together
growth potential has by no means been exhausted.
an outstanding and professional team, thus living up to its
Balance Sheet 2005
12
Inspite of the raw material costs

BASF concludes 2005 successfully
or BASF, 2005 was the most suc-
namely Leuna-Miramid GmbH in Germany
cessful year in the companys 140-
and LATI Inc. in the USA.
year history. It managed to
Polyurethanes
increase its sales by 14% to 42.7 billion

euros, and plastics made a major contribution to this growth in sales, accounting
The Polyurethanes division increased its
for 11.7 billion euros. Even though the
sales by 22.7 percent and improved its
plastics segment increased its sales and
operating result in comparison to the previ-
also ended the year with better operating
ous year. This good result was influenced
results, not all of the three operating divi-
in particular by the Asia region, which had
sions succeeded in repeating the good
been the main focus of BASF investments
results of the previous year. The Perfor-
in the previous year as well. In addition, the
mance Polymers and Polyurethanes divi-
integrated network site in Antwerp/Belgium
sions ended the year on a high note, but
increased its MDI production by 90,000
Styrenics was unable, despite stable
tons to 450,000 tons. Thanks to these
sales, to repeat the previous years
investments, BASF is well placed to cater
results.
for increased demand over the long term.
Styrenics
Future prospects
Dr. John Feldmann
The weaker Styrenics result was caused

by the high and volatile raw material
costs, which made it necessary to raise
Perfor mance
Polymers
Our aim for 2006 is to achieve results

which are at least as good as those in
2005. To do this, we will remain committed
prices, leading in turn to a corresponding
In contrast to Styrenics, the Performance
to implementing our business models.
downturn in demand. In spite of these
Polymers division managed to bring its
However, we are particularly eager to work
difficulties, BASF steadfastly continued to
prices into line. This meant that operational
together with our customers even more
realign its business models, combining
income rose enough to allow us to cover
closely than we have done previously to
the specialty styrenics into one global
our capital costs, explains Dr. John Feld-
create greater added value between us.
unit at the start of 2005. At the same
mann, the BASF executive board member
We help our customers to be even more
time, the companys restructuring meas-
with responsibility for plastics, oil and gas. In
successful and in return for this we receive
ures in the North America region also
2005, BASF expanded its manufacturing
a fair share of the added value which we
capacities for engineering plastics in Asia
have created together. To achieve this, we
example, was shifted from South
and built a new PBT plant in Malaysia which
will adopt new approaches to our working
Brunswick in New Jersey to Altamira in
is set to be up and running by the middle of
relationships, find new applications and
Mexico, with the polystyrene business in
2006. With a view to strengthening the
develop new ideas for products, explains
the USA based at Joliet in Illinois being
companys market position, two companies
John Feldmann in outlining the strategy for
divested.
were purchased in Germany and the USA,
BASFs plastics segment.
continued:
Styropor
production, for
19.06.2006
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Seite 13
13
Markets and Products
Training on snow of days gone by

Training on snow in autumn? Styropor makes it possible
t is hard to believe that back in the 18th
up 8,000 cubic meters of snow to create a
meantime, Styropor has not only become
and 19th centuries, the small community
seven meter-high mound that was then
synonymous with expanded foam, but it
of Pradelles Cabards became very
covered with Styropor panels and white,
has also been the basis for numerous
prosperous thanks to the snow and ice
light-repellent and moisture-repellent
refinements. There are two reasons why
that was stored every winter in under-
sheeting. All in all, it took 500 cubic
Styropor is the right choice for helping
ground pits in the Montagne Noire. In the
meters of the 20 cm-thick Styropor panels
snow survive the summer: first of all, this
summer, this white gold was then trans-
to completely cover the mound.
material offers a good cost-benefit ratio
ported to the surrounding towns. With the
It has been 55 years since BASF created
and secondly, it is also highly resistant to
advent of ice machines in the middle of
Styropor out of
moisture, says Dr. Riethues, who is
the 19th century, followed later by the
polystyrene. In the
responsible at BASF for all of the Styropor
invention of the refrigerator, this market
technical services and product develop-
niche that had benefited the citizens of
ments.
Pradelles Cabards for so long dried up.
5000 cubic meters

of snow
Back then,
nobody would
have thought that 100
years later, the idea of preserving
From April to the end of October, the ice
snow and ice during the summer
hill remained untouched. Only at the end
months would make a comeback.
of October of last year was the Styropor
Today, the snow is no longer preserved
cover removed. Of the 8,000 cubic meters
so that food can be cooled in the sum-
hauled in, almost 5,000 cubic meters of
mer, but rather, so that winter sports ath-
high-quality snow were still there, which
letes can already train on snow in the
was a surprise since the organizers had
autumn. If athletes want to do well in the
expected that up to 50 percent of the
first races of the season, they have to start
snow would have melted. This meant that
training on snow as early as possible. This
enough snow had managed to make it
is why many winter sports athletes sched-
through the summer and could then be
ule their first training sessions in the Scan-
used to prepare the cross country ski
dinavian countries or in places where there
tracks and rifle range at the biathlon
is eternal ice.
Summer clothes
for the snow
An idea from Finland has now allowed the
Thanks to its
center.
resistance to
In view of the success of this project,
moisure Stropor
organizers in Ruhpolding are now toy-
is ideal for
ing with the idea of repeating the
helping snow
summer snow storage and even
survive summer.
expanding the concept by stockpil-
athletes who live in Ruhpolding, Germany,
ing 15,000 cubic meters of snow.
to get an early start, training right at their
This would allow them to put
own door step. Last spring, the operators

of the biathlon center in Ruhpolding piled
snow on the ski jump already

in late autumn.
19.06.2006
15:12 Uhr
Seite 14
14
The first traffic light in the world was the

one set up on August 5, 1914 in Cleveland,
Ohio, in the United States. It had only two
lights, a red one and a green one. The first
tricolor traffic lights were only introduced
six years later in Detroit and New York.
Europe saw its first traffic lights in 1922,
initially only in metropolises such as Paris,
Hamburg or Berlin. Smaller cities such as
Helsinki and Lucerne, did not get their first
traffic lights until the 1950s.
19.06.2006
15:12 Uhr
Seite 15
15
Clear road ahead

for designer traffic lights
Vialis uses BASF specialty plastics
in traffic signals
ait, look, listen, walk, this
BASF's LuranS for the ViaLina traffic sig-
is the way kindergarten
nal the winner of the iF Gold Award
children in Switzerland
2005.. This material provides the high-
learn how to cross the street. The children
quality appearance and stability demand-
are practicing the right behaviour in traffic
ed, alongside good weathering resistance.
with this exercise, but this does not nec-
Luran S is an acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate
essarily make crossing streets any less
(ASA) copolymer part of the
Hans Dirkze, Head of Traffic Engineering at
dangerous. This is why the notion of regu-
PlasticsPlusTM line from BASFs styrenics.
Vialis
lating traffic using traffic lights has existed

since the middle of the 19th century: the
first traffic light was installed outside the
Functionality and energy

efficiency
British Houses of Parliament in London in
designed for conventional incandescent

lamps, but new-design traffic signals have
energy-saving LED lamps which need
1868. It was operated with gas but it
"Design of traffic signals hasn't changed
slimmer, less bulky housings. "This hous-
exploded soon afterwards. Only when it
in the last 40 years, so the time had come
ing uses a flame-retardant grade of Luran
became possible to use electric light with-
to modernize the appearance of our prod-
S with V-0 classification. Its guaranteed
out problems did traffic lights experience
ucts, explains Hans Dirkze, who heads
minimum performance level is that all
a rebirth, first in America and later on in
traffic engineering at Vialis. Dutch proces-
flame is extinguished within 10 seconds
Europe. Vialis, a Dutch manufacturer of
sor HSV searched for a material that com-
after outbreak of any fire," says Ronald
traffic systems, has been part and parcel
bined design freedom with good process-
Kersten from Research and Development
of this development almost from the very
ability and the necessary mechanical
at processor HSV.
beginning. For 80 years now, this compa-
properties. "Test programs showed that
Another motivator for using plastics was
ny has been producing traffic lights and
Luran S has substantially better flow
the energy balance study carried out by
has in the meantime become the market
properties than conventional materials
Intron institute in the Netherlands on traf-
leader in traffic technology in the Benelux
such as ABS and polystyrene and is more
fic signals made from plastics and from
countries.
suitable for ViaLina's complex shape,
aluminum. Taking into account the costs
Greater design freedom and better energy
says Luc Gysels from market develop-
of raw materials, production, and trans-
balance for Netherlands-based traffic
ment at BASF Specialty Polymers. The
port, together with recycling factors, plas-
systems manufacturer Vialis these are
material also met every requirement relat-
tics have significantly better energy effi-
excellent reasons to use plastic housings
ing to UV resistance, paintability, and
ciency.
instead of conventional aluminum hous-
impact resistance.
ings. Development staff at Vialis selected
Previous traffic signal housings were
Your contact: Luc Gysels,

Tel. +32-5-625-3068
19.06.2006
15:12 Uhr
Seite 16
16
From a simple sign to a cult figure

How the little traffic light guys grew in stature
Germany
Belgium
France
ho hasnt seen them, those
was hard for children to remember the
never-tiring little green and
meaning of the different colors. So, traffic
red guys who discretely regu-
psychologists thought about what could
late traffic? Those little fellows on the
enhance the effect of the traffic lights and
pedestrian crossing lights are already a
came up with the idea of the human figure.
permanent fixture on our street corners
The birth
of a star
and they are here to stay. And now a

clever designer has turned them into cult
figures.
In the former East Germany, Karl Peglau
Little
guy
created the little traffic light guys in 1961

that are still used in the part of the country east of the Elbe River. Who would ever
The first lights for pedestrians were simple
have thought back then that Peglaus fig-
colored circles that switched back and
ures would rise to the status of cult stars
forth between green and red. However, it
Poland
in the new millennium? In fact, these traf-
19.06.2006
15:12 Uhr
Seite 17
17
nce
Canada
Hungary
fic guys had already displayed their star
dy bears in this shape in the trendy neigh-
potential in East Germany where, sporting
borhood around Hackesche Hfe, a true
their typical flat hats, they appeared on
tourist attraction.
the popular Sandman kids TV program
Traffic light guys can be found almost
and taught children about traffic rules.
everywhere in the world, in completely dif-
Now designer Markus Heckhausen in
ferent designs: gangly in Slovakia and
Berlin has founded Ampelmnnchen
with a fat head in Poland, as a cowboy in
GmbH a company whose German
Boston or as one of many different digital
name means little traffic light guys and
stick figures in France everywhere the
is showcasing the little stars with great
little guys have their own character. And
fanfare. He explains, Especially the
not all of them are guys: Belgium has
cross-shaped red light fellow is an incred-
introduced a traffic light couple on a trial
ibly powerful symbol. For a designer, this
basis; in Bolivia, it is an entire family with
was a true find. Since its founding in
father, mother and child while the German
1997, the company has been selling more

and more mugs, ice cube trays and can-
Germany
cities of Dresden and Zwickau (Saxony)

now also have traffic light girls.
19.06.2006
15:13 Uhr
Seite 18
18
Little helper for huge success

All the work that BASF plastics have to perform during the World Cup 2006
hereas the coaching staff was
on the ball, being used for the delicate
action. The spectators jump to their feet
still hotly debating which play-
plug-in connectors at the end of DSL lines
and cheer. When 66,000 people jump up at
ers would make the World
and phone cables. Many football fans owe
the same time, the structure of the stands
Cup team up until the very last minute, the
it to Ultradur components that they were
BASF team had already long since been
able to get their hands on tickets since
decided on. BASF plastics and finishing
these connectors ensure smooth data
construction material that
products, which have become indispensa-
traffic on the Internet.
compensates for the vibra-
ble in our daily lives, will also be with us

during the World Cup. What would we do
without them? Well, of course, the World
is subjected to extreme
loads. This calls for a
tions thus generated and that
And now onto

the field!
Cup could be held without them but why
is also as stable as steel or concrete. It is at this point that a member

of the BASF team steps in a Sandwich-
shouldnt we accept their help when they
June 9, 2006. The Zero
Plate-System (SPS) developed by BASFs
are so eager to join the game? Not only will
Hour. Kick-off to the 2006 World Cup. In
subsidiary, Elastogran, together with its
the nerves of legions of football fans be on
the completely sold-out Allianz Stadium,
partner, Intelligent Engineering Ltd. SPS
edge by the time of the kick-off to the
fans are cheering the national teams of Ger-
plates consist of two steel plates surroun-
World Cup, but BASFs plastics will also
many and Cost Rica as they take to the
ding an elastomeric core made of PUR.
have to prove what they can do.
field. The jerseys worn by the German team
Another plus point of the SPS plates is their
shine under the spotlights. This effect is
low weight. In comparison to concrete,
achieved thanks to the optical brightener
structures made with SPS weigh almost 70
Ultraphor. Its blue-violet shimmer empha-
percent less.
The most important test match already
sizes the striking contrast between the
The score is 1 to 0. Who scored the goal?
took place 16 months before the World
black and white.
How many minutes into the match? Wasnt
Cup. Lotteries in several sales phases gave
Now comes the friendly handshake with the
he offside ? Now, the technicians and
people the opportunity to buy tickets for
opponent and the referees, after which the
reporters have their hands full in the stadi-
the World Cup matches. Anyone who was
match can start, also for BASF. Kick-off! By
ums recording studio. Millions of fans all
not online was already offside. This was
the way, the whistles could also be made of
over the globe sit in front of their radios and
also a time when BASF plastics were put
BASF plastics. As soon as the first goal is
TV sets, eagerly awaiting the commentaries
to the test. Ultradur HighSpeed was right
scored, the next BASF helpers spring into
and images. Since the human ear can alre-
Debut
19.06.2006
15:13 Uhr
Seite 19
19
BASF plastics also

Fritz-dein-Sitz a
go into the cards
The soles and cle-
seat cushion made
and whistles used
ats are made of
of Neopor
by the referees
Elastollan
ady perceive even the smallest distortions
of Neopor, a true all-rounder. These seat
very low, with the result that spectators can
or acoustic reflections as noise, the press
cushions have circular depressions that
sit on soft cushions and stay warm until the
boxes have to have particularly good sound
function as cup holders in the bottom of the
end of the match. And speaking of which,
insulation. This is a job for Basotect, a spe-
cushion, so that up to six drinks cups can
the work of the BASF team is far from over
cialty foam made by BASF. This routined
be carried securely. And this provides the
after the 90-minute game. The end of one
pro has already proven its capabilities in
answer to that all-too-often asked question
match marks the beginning of others. After
professional sound-recording studios time
known to every football match spectator
all, now it is the turn of the young genera-
after time.
during half-time: can you bring one for me,
tion of players. BASF still has in its ranks
The ball is on the move again and BASF is
too?
several young, talented players eagerly
part of the dribbling maneuver. Elastollan
The fifteen minutes are over. In the stadium,
awaiting their debut. One particularly promi-
is the name of the polyurethane plastic
the fans are once again seated and
made by BASF Group company Elastogran
anxiously watching the match. In the
The artificial grass,
that goes into the manufacture of the soles
meantime, the sun has disappeared
XL Turf, made by the
and studs of many football shoes. This
behind the stadium. The temperatu-
Swiss company XL
material is not only lightweight and sturdy,
re drops. An unpleasant chill creeps
Generation, contains
but it also protects the joints of players and
into the plastic seats on the
Neopolen P as its
is non-skid. In this manner, Elastollan
stands. This is when the Fritz-
underbase and it has
ensures that players dont slip at the decisi-
dein-Sitz seat cushion made of
already been tested in a
ve moment.
Neopor gets to play in its
pilot project of UEFA, the
favorite position.
European football associ-
Thanks to its
ation. It has been officially
The all-rounder
infrared
sing candidate is Neopolen P foam.
approved for European
Half-time. Take a deep breath. Now fans
absorbers
matches since the 2005-2006 playing sea-
need something to calm their frazzled ner-
and infra-
son. Neopolen is extremely durable and
ves. While the players retreat to the locker
red reflec-
requires little maintenance. In particular, it
rooms, fans swarm around the drinks con-
tors, the
absorbs shocks, thus reducing the risk of
cessions. What are those silver trays? They
heat conducti-
injury to players. We are really looking for-
are the Fritz-dein-Sitz seat cushions made
vity of Neopor is
ward to its debut on the field.
19.06.2006
15:13 Uhr
Seite 20
20
Eco? Logical!
Ultradur High Speed likely to be a
record breaker
Employees discuss the test results: Ultradur High Speed flows
twice as fast as conventional Ultradur.
he English main editorial office of the Guinness World
Processors benefit from the flowability of Ultradur High Speed,
Records annually registers 5000 applications for absurd,
which has been markedly improved by incorporating a nano addi-
funny or amazing world records. For 50 years now, this is
tive, since the processing temperature as well as the injection and
the place where all kinds of world records have been centrally com-
holding pressures in the injection-molding machine can be lowered.
piled and published. The tallest person, the oldest dance instructor
Energy savings of up to 20 percent can be realized here. As an
or the most people brushing their teeth, all of these world records
alternative, the cycle time can be reduced by up to 30 percent. The
are included in the Guinness Book of Records. Another likely candi-
mold can have a simpler design and new parts can have thinner
date for a world record, although without being entered in the Guin-
walls, thus saving a considerable amount of material. The number of
ness Book, is the engineering plastic Ultradur High Speed, thanks
rejects also drops since it is now easier to fill the mold with this
to its properties. This PBT (polybutylene tereph-thalate) flows twice
easy-flowing plastic. All in all, this makes Ultradur High Speed the
as fast as conventional Ultradur and has now become the first
favourable product, both in terms of cost and environmental impact.
engineering plastic to receive BASFs eco-efficiency label.
In 2005, BASF augmented the eco-efficiency analysis by developing
Studies have demonstrated that products made of Ultradur High
a computer program with which the customer can calculate pre-
Speed are considerably more eco-efficient than products made of a
cisely the advantage that results from a substitution of standard PBT
standard PBT. The good flowability of this new material not only
against Ultradur High Speed under his specific production condi-
makes the production of injection-molded plastic components
tions. This tool is called the eco-efficiency manager and it allows
cheaper but also helps to save energy, thus protecting the environ-
BASF sales personnel to go directly to the customers premises and
ment.
perform this calculation.
The eco-efficiency label is awarded to products or methods that

Further information: www.basf.de/ultradur
perform better from an environmental and financial standpoint than

comparable products or methods. With an eye towards this, the
product undergoes an eco-efficiency analysis certified by the German Technical Control Board (TV) of Rhineland/Brandenburg in
0,7
accordance with specified guidelines. The analysis is subsequently
accordance with DIN ISO 14040 to 14043. In the case of Ultradur

High Speed, it was Professor Hungerbhler of the Swiss Federal
Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, Switzerland, who wrote the
expert opinion. The eco-efficiency label is then valid for the products
examined in the analysis and applies to the customer benefit as
defined in the eco-efficiency analysis. The results have to be
reviewed again after three years since the market situation and other
boundary conditions might have changed.
Ultradur High
environmental impact
(standardised)
submitted for a critical review by an independent third party in
Speed cost-
1,0
effective and
environmentally
sound
1,3
1,3
1,0
0,7
costs ( standardised)
Standart-PBT
Ultradur High Speed
19.06.2006
15:13 Uhr
Seite 21
21
Explosion of colors
BASF inaugurates new designfabrik
ASF launched PlasticsPlus
specialists use PlasticsPlus design to
to create samples showing the colors
design, a new service package
assist in the choice of the right color,
requested by the customers.
for product and industrial desi-
using a color library containing approxi-
gners. The core of this exclusive new ser-
mately 20,000 samples in various colors.
BASF needs to intensify the activities of its
vice in the Styrenics Operating Divisions
They advise on the selection of the opti-
design factory. This is where young desi-
PlasticsPlus range, is designfabrik,
mal production process, on the design
gners in particular can acquire knowledge
the design factory. The former plastics
that is appropriate for plastics, and on
that they cannot get anywhere else, says
color laboratory has been transformed
the pre-selection of a suitable material.
Prof. Dr. Dieter Rams, commenting on
into a stately place where designers can

obtain advice about the design and coloring of their plastic products. The key-
BASFs new service. The service package
One million
color impressions
note speaker at the opening of the
also includes the issuing of color certificates as well as the guarantee of uniform
color standards world-wide. This is a servi-
design factory was Dieter Rams, former
A color competence center is integrated
ce for which BASF already received the
chief designer of the Braun company,
into the design factory. Up to 50 different
Gillette Omnimark Award in 2004.
Samples with various surface textures.
whose understated visual language left its
surface textures can be produced here.
imprint on industrial design.
Surface characteristics play a crucial role in
Further cooperation with

industrial designers
the color effect. For instance, a color on a
Faster conversion of designer

ideas into actual products
glossy surface looks different from the
The collaboration between BASF plastic
same color on a matt or corrugated surfa-
specialists and industrial designers, howe-
ce. With 20,000 samples and 50 different
ver, goes well beyond the design factory.
To an ever greater extent, design is
surfaces, we can create up to one million
For example, workshops are held in early
becoming an integral part of the corpora-
color impressions, explains Norbert Mos-
summer, where industrial designers get
te policies of our customers. Our packa-
bach, head of the color competence cen-
together with BASF experts and work out
ge is aimed at helping our customers to
ter. We also have light booths that show
new areas of application for engineering
convert their ideas more quickly into
how color tones appear under all kinds of
plastics.
actual products, explains Dr. Christian
light. Together with the customers, it takes
Bonten, head of the design factory. BASF
BASF color experts just one working day
Further information: designfabrik@basf.com,

Dr. Christian Bonten: Tel. +49 621 60 59349
19.06.2006
15:13 Uhr
Seite 22
Miscellanous
22
Color library in the design factory.
To rekindle the imagination of those

down there
Design virtuoso Luigi Colani discusses form philosophy,
dreary design and Chinese roofs
design trouble maker? A grey eminence of the
hands, so to speak, and give it a new shape? In an out-of-the-
bio-form? A highly gifted and consistent observer
ordinary interview, plastics magazine attempts to see what
or a driven, shape fanatic who could not leave his
makes this revolutionary tick. See for yourself the opinions held
fingers off anything, from cigarette lighters to an almost
by a man who can be accused of many things but certainly not
monstrous passenger jet, and who has rubbed almost
of being ordinary.
everyone the wrong way at one time or another? A force

for good or a utopian? A philosopher? A loud-mouth? A
Here we are, in 2006, and certainly there are those who
pop star?
look back with nostalgia at the design of the 60s and 70s
as the zenith of plastic-based design. How does Luigi
One thing is for sure though: what Berlin-born Colani clearly is
Colani see plastics in 2006?
not, an industrial designer of the classic stamp who is willing to
Plastic went through its discovery phase in the fifties and sixties,
bow to the constraints of flat surfaces in order not to rock the
at a time when the plastics industry experienced a boom and
boat of handed-down product notions. Where did it come from,
designers sprout out of the ground like wild mushrooms. Such
this drive to make the world fit his mold, to take the world in his
uncontrolled growth is the kiss of death for creativity. In this vein,
19.06.2006
15:13 Uhr
Seite 23
23
Miscellanous
The maestro Colani playing with one of the 20.000 color samples.
I feel that recent years have been marked
actually find a use, it needs us designers
ating a breed of young designers who
by stagnation. The path that you are now
and not only engineers.
know how to describe form-philosophical
pursuing at BASF with PlasticsPlus design
processes that has to be the goal of the
is absolutely the right approach. The trou-
Now that you have complimented
schooling, since 99 percent of designers
ble is, now you have some catching up to
BASF, please tell us what the best
cannot do this. They might have a vague
do 50 years worth. Let me spell this
consulting service for industrial
idea but they dont have a clue about
out for you: build your design factory and
designers should look like.
turning it into reality because they lose
put an end to the creative vacuum
The problem lies in a lack of vision.
their way in colors and angles of inci-
brought about by the success of plastic
Visionary thinking is not taught in the hal-
dence. When a car is built, it looks like a
as a material. Plastics manufacturers now
lowed halls of academia. The designers
sip of lukewarm water. People like me will
have to rediscover the creativity of the
being spewed forth out of these places
still have to rave and rant for another 20
50s and 60s. Go back to go forward, is
are all would-be engineers. They fill their
years to force the designer crowd to
all I have to say about this.
portfolios with sketches and technical
make their corners round.
descriptions but they cant even model a

For you, plastic is really the material
cone out of clay. Any designer without a
What should designers be able to do
of choice. With your furniture collec-
background in sculpture will always have
in the near future?
tion, you were the first to make plas-
trouble with the third dimension. Its as
Young designers have to be able to play
tic accepted in the better circles. If
simple as that. Designers go to their
to the tune of what BASF is offering them.
you were to engage in wishful think-
drawing boards, take the right angle and
The point is to combine knowledge about
ing, what properties would you like to
pull up the drawbridge. In one fell swoop
engineering science, color and plastics
see in todays plastics?
they have annihilated 50 percent of their
technology with mold-construction
Stored in my archives. I have plastic
possibilities.
finesse. Just look at all the mediocre
developments that would make your hair
You know, the problem is this: designers
design that surrounds us; we are worlds
stand on end. Ultra-light compound pan-
pick a color and then do their thing over
away from ergonomic shapes. I have just
els that can be extruded in a single
and over again. What is missing here is
signed a contract to design new bath-
process step. Mind-boggling technology.
teaching them about shape. Imparting
room fixtures. Let me tell you, Ive seen
However, this is the starting point for the
them with knowledge about shape, color
tubs I wouldnt dream of undressing and
thinking process. But for the plastic to
and the right processing techniques, cre-
getting into, those boxes with all those
19.06.2006
15:13 Uhr
Seite 24
Miscellanous
24
Build your design factory and put an end
straight edges! But we are creating an
and that is all I am willing to say. There
houses and compare it to the roofs of Euro-
ergonomic shape that conforms to the
are a few products in nature that come
pean houses. Any moron could draw a roof
body and we dont shy away from contro-
close to perfection, for instance, an egg
here. In China, however, the roofs are
versy, even if I am labeled a grouch who
or a seashell. Hats off to such magnifi-
curved. They have elevated intricacy almost
gets into arguments with the people who
cence in nature, it is just great! Over 95
to an art. And they build temples that have
hire me. Today, as a young designer, you
percent of designers dont know the first
withstood earthquakes for millennia. Their
have to work for peanuts when you first
thing about nature and even avoid it like
craftsmanship is vastly superior to ours. Not
start. That is horrendously bad for the
the plague.
because they are more intelligent but
image of design. Design is going down
You have had several teaching
because they have a different ancient struc-
the drain in Europe. I recently headed up
assignments in China. What knowl-
ture that they have preserved for thousands
a jury in a competition sponsored by
edge is Professor Colani imparting to
of years. Over the course of 5000 years of
Hyundai in Seoul and saw the designs
his students? What fundamentals of
recorded cultural history, the Chinese held
submitted by young Korean designers. I
design do you teach?
on to the top position for 4800 years. Sim-
was shocked, there is no other way to say
None. I merely answer their floundering
ply because they were there before us. They
this. They are so much better than our
questions. China is a country where just
were already bathing in perfumed baths,
young European designers. There are cre-
ten years ago design was forbidden as a
weaving silk and painting porcelain and they
ative forces at work in this Asian region
capitalist indulgence. Naturally, they ask
also invented the compass. That is high-
that should scare the living daylights out
all kinds of questions and are constantly
tech stuff. They had rocket aircraft. The
of us. I have to summon up all of my
inviting me to head up juries where I have
large dynasties waged war with 10 meter-
knowledge in order to be able to keep
to judge cars, airplanes and ships. They
long kites that towed rockets. A scout sat
pace with them. They are outstanding,
still lack international flair; Europeans will
on the top of them, flew over enemy lines
there is no other way to put it.
need to show much greater presence
and back again 2000 years ago. Brilliant!
there. The next 10 to 20 years will see an

Now let me ask you something else.
unparalleled boom in that country.
Who does Colani admire or for which
Let us talk about your beginnings, the

automobile. Even though the accepted
product would Colani say, yes, that
What makes the Asians so strong?
wisdom says, Design differentiates,
worked?
They come from a different cultural back-
cars are increasingly losing their indi-
Oh, now I have to think long and hard;
ground. Just look at the roofs of Chinese
viduality. Why?
19.06.2006
15:13 Uhr
Seite 25
25
Miscellanous
to the creative vacuum brought about by the success of plastic
I am of the opinion that automotive devel-
Where have we ended up with our think-
they have a Colani shape, and they are
opment has become impoverished. The
ing? Germany used to be the land of poets
light since they weigh a mere 350 kg. But
problem is that the thought processes that
and thinkers. Perhaps we are still poets but
the important aspect is that they guzzle
should be the domain of creative people
thinkers? Alas, no longer.
only 1.2 liters of fuel per 100 km. That is
are actually implemented by engineers.
really good stuff.
Thats is why the automobile industry is
1953: Colani develops the first automo-
sick and continues to make ever bigger
bile with a body made completely of
Colani has never been an evolutionary
cars, even in the face of dwindling energy
plastic. How come it was never serially
but rather a revolutionary. Where did
reserves. If I were to organize a car show
produced?
this urge come from not to develop the
and switch the brand names of the cars,
Because we were stonewalled by the steel
world but to change it instead?
then even I as an expert and I know
industry. Today, companies like yours are
What makes a person like me become a
every car make in the world would get
the youngsters in the production of materi-
revolutionary? I will tell you. The lame suc-
some wrong. I wouldnt know whether it
als that can be shaped. But just keep one
cession of step-by-step developments.
was a Ford, a Skoda or something else.
thing in mind: your basic material is oil so
Yeah, so I build a sand castle up there that
Why? Thirty, forty years ago, you could tell
you are faced with the immense challenge
is actually feasible. But I only do that in
the difference between an American car, an
of reinventing your product.
order to rekindle the imagination of those
Italian car, a Russian car, a French car or a
down there, to kick them back into action.
German car from a mile away. These were
Colani once said, A car has to be
Preserving continuity is the big mistake
automobiles with character made by cre-
slow, silent, fun and lightweight. What
nowadays. Just look at the way things are
ative people, like me. Today, they all look
does that mean?
today: this country is stinking rich and
equally uncreative, it couldnt be any
This is a formula for the future that no one
everybody says we dont have money and
worse. We are too quick to be satisfied
has yet managed to turn into reality. I have
of course, this has an impact on young
with too little. When I read the magazines,
such cars. Your people came to my place
designers who just build normal things in
they already get excited about a piece of
and saw these cars. Vehicles made of two
hopes of selling anything at all. That is a
decorative trim or about the oval exhaust
plastic halves into which we stick a hybrid
huge mistake!
pipe of a car. And they do not see the
engine that is just the size of a shoe box.
machine as such, as the glutton it is in
These cars are slow, reaching a mere 145
view of the vanishing fossil fuel reserves.
km per hour, they are certainly fun since
www.colani.de
26
The residents of American suburbs love

wood. Decks, stairs and siding they are
all made of wood. Unfortunately, this material has one major drawback: it is not very
durable and it does not offer many color
choices. An intelligent alternative came
from the neighbors to the north, from
Canada.
19.06.2006
15:14 Uhr
Seite 27
27
So, an old house?

Luran S makes wooden houses colorful and durable
ouses in American suburbs are
their color choices. Thanks to Luran S
International Builders Show in Orlando,
traditionally made of wood and
acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA) from
Fla., at the booths of both BASF and Com-
so are decks, stairs, siding and
BASF, Composatron Composite Technol-
posatron.
railings. This is the image that stays with
ogy of Toronto, Canada, can now offer
Composatron selected BASFs Luran S
visitors from all over the world when they
homebuilders, contractors and their cus-
ASA, a specialty plastic that provides long-
think back of their vacation in the United
tomers a choice of six colors that deliver
term color stability in a wide range of colors
States. Even though wood looks good, it
the look, feel and beauty of natural wood,
in railing, siding and fencing applications as
has one major drawback: it is not very
but with minimal maintenance. The new
a capstock over vinyl and vinyl-wood com-
durable and requires considerably more
colors include cedar, sand, mahogany,
posites. Luran S ASA is part of BASFs
upkeep than, for instance, plastic ele-
light grey, slate grey and redwood.
PlasticsPlus specialty plastics portfolio.
ments.
Composite railings last longer and are
Like all of the specialty plastics in our
easier to maintain than wood, but for
PlasticsPlus portfolio, Luran S ASA has
years it was difficult to produce color rail-
unique features that enable our customers
ings that would not fade. Given the
to bring innovative products to market.
strong reputation that our white railings
Luran S ASA is tough and resistant to
Now the Canadian manufacturer Com-
have achieved in the marketplace, we
chemicals, and has proven to be colorfast
posatron Composite Technology has
knew that any extensions to our product
in a wide range of applications, said Her-
come up with a solution to this problem:
line would have to meet our stringent
man Savenije, Business Director of BASFs
in a co-extrusion process, the core mate-
standards for quality and durability. We
Styrenic Copolymers in North America.
rial made of vinyl or a vinyl-wood mixture
needed a capstock that delivered out-
Composatrons Premier composite color
is coated with Luran S, BASFs acryloni-
standing weathering performance, with-
railing is manufactured with an exclusive
trile-styrene-acrylate polymer. The com-
out fading or chalking, said Jim Pratt,
technology called Strandex. Similar to the
posite material thus extruded not only
head of research and development and
individual strands that make a rope
looks like wood but also reduces mainte-
product technology for Composatron.
stronger, Strandex technology makes com-
More color,
please!
nance to a minimum. The railings made

of this composite material last longer and
are easier to care for than wood.
High performance
guaranteed
posite-extruded products stronger. Composatron backs its railing systems with a

20-year warranty against warping, rotting,
Homeowners who wanted weatherproof
The color composite railings part of
splintering, and peeling.
composite railings to match their decks,
Composatrons Premier-brand product line
docks and porches were once limited in
have been displayed this January at the
www.LuranSConstruction.com
www.composatron.com
Applications
28
True beauty lies within

ELASTOGRAN has set new standards in car interiors
with its fine PU molded skin.
he Mercedes SLK-Class
side-door panelling and the glove com-
system, explains that in contrast to the nor-
already has it, the S-Class is
partment. The new Mercedes S-Class is a
mal spray process, the molding process
just going into production with
great example, making good use of PU
facilitates defined constancy of wall densi-
it, and other manufacturers are cast-
and the expertise behind it. Together with
ties. This, together with the materials abili-
ing envious looks its way. The new
Faurecia Interior Systems, ELASTOGRAN
ty to take on the exact contours required,
molded skin from the polyurethane
developers worked quickly to prepare the
allows greater scope from a design point of
molded skin for production. For the first
view. Gaps can be left for integrating ele-
town. Even though some purists are
time, the car will have a molded skin
ments or other synthetic parts and, as
finding it hard to turn their back on
construction for the whole control panel.
valves can easily be laser-drawn into the
leather, the use of PU for car interiors
The new polyurethane technology has two
molding, airbags can be incorporated
is a growing trend. As well as being
distinct advantages in its top-quality look
seamlessly. Because the material can be
ultra-light, incredibly versatile, and
and smooth, appealing texture.
molded so precisely, the finished result is
system,
Elastoskin,
is the talk of the
low in emissions during production,
a high-quality surface that even experts
the molded skin also boasts a high-
Think leather, see PU
quality finish.
The material has even more to offer. ELAS-
The beauty of the new material is that it
TOGRANs Hermann Vlker, who is
The new S-Class: behind the scenes
can be used for the instrument panel,
responsible for marketing this innovative
A total of 120 staff work on the produc-
find difficult to distinguish from leather.
29
Applications
The new cast skin

is employed for
instrument panels
and other things.
tion of molded skin parts for Faurecia at
Backround
the Wrth site. Precision is the big priority

here. For Eckhard Keese, works manager
How the molded skin is fitted in the S-Class:
at Faurecia Interior Systems, production

of the molded skin is a unique chal-
Every PU molded skin is built up in
compartment. A transfer system is
lenge. After all, the process is unlike any-
two layers. First a varnish component is
used to produce three components
thing attempted before. But Faurecia and
used to determine color. Then the liquid
and a roundtable facility for back-foam-
ELASTOGRANs joint experience in pro-
polyurethane is added into the closed
ing. At Faurecia in Wrth, this process
cessing polyurethane quickly led to effi-
mold tool. The gap in the mold
is used to produce 1,300 molded skin
cient, integrated production sequences,
determines the thickness of the skin,
parts every day, while the door-
and the results speak for themselves. In
which can range between 0.8 and
cladding parts are produced at the
fact, next time you encounter the
20mm. After a hardening period, the
Scheuerfeld plant. The end result?
Stuttgart flagship you will probably need
skin is back-foamed with the semi-hard
Each day 360 to 400 vehicles leave the
to rub your eyes hard to see and even
Elastoflex polyurethane system. The
Daimler-Chrysler site sporting PU
then wont be sure whether the S-Class
instrument panel consists of three sep-
molded interiors.
in front of you is furnished with PU or with
arate parts: upper, lower and the glove
leather.
19.06.2006
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Seite 30
Applications
30
"Lets talk about wood, baby ..."

Attention! Optical illusion. The new shoe fashion for 2006 is all about wood that
is not even real wood, but rather, Elastopan S Feel Wood. Any questions?
lack, clack, clack the new
But the
summer clogs coming out of
best is yet to
Italy, the shoe country par
come: Elasto-
excellence, have all the makings of
pan Feel Wood
becoming the latest fad: original
displays uniform qua-
designs, cool details, colors and mate-
lity and fewer fluctua-
rials. For example, the soles and heels
tions in its material proper-
are made of wood that is not real
ties than natural wood, so PUR
wood, but rather a material that is
is miles ahead of the original mate-
even better, namely, Elastopan S Feel
rial. By using the wood-like soles
Wood
made of Elastogran, manufacturers

have clear-cut production advantages
It looks like wood, it feels like wood, it
and all eyes will certainly be on those
sounds like wood, it is hard like wood
wearing the shoes in the evening. Poly-
among the latest developments of Elasto-
urethane offers the assurance of con-
gran Italia in Villanova dAsti are shoe soles
stant quality, making it part and parcel
with a realistic wood grain. They look like
of the trendy scene. A thin outsole
they are made of a piece of genuine wood
made of PUR, TPU or rubber under the
and they are just as hard. These new soles
imitation wood is sufficient to safe-
made of Elastopan S Feel Wood are incre-
guard against skidding.
dibly strong and, as mentioned above,

hard. At the same time, this material exhibits a tailor-made elasticity, which is why
nails and screws can be used in these
Wearing Elastopan under your

feet gives you an unexpected
lightness in your step
soles without any problems, just like real

wood. This is how customers are offered a
Elastopan S Feel Wood is an environmen-
harmonious design and a processing
tally friendly, water-expanded shoe system
advantage.
based on a novel comnination of raw
19.06.2006
15:14 Uhr
Seite 31
31
Applications
Elastopan S can
fulfill all shape and
color requirements.
materials. These sophisticated soles are

produced in a closed mold like other shoe
systems are. The grain is imprinted into the
sole by the mold, thus creating the typical
wood look. Once the sole has been
manufactured, the surface structure
can easily be further processed
and finished. Polyurethane
can be dyed without
any problem. The
when the soles are subsequently coated.
wood, they also sound like it with every
special wood
Color tones, nuances, special color effects
step. But they are also much more com-
grain is
and, if so desired, other design elements,
fortable and durable. So there you are. If
can all be easily realized. Be it elegant
you spot something quite exciting in the
cherry wood or beech, anything that cur-
form of sandals, high heels or clogs with a
rent tastes dictate can be made. The spe-
sophisticated wood design this summer,
cial advantage is that this system adheres
you will certainly wonder, Is this wood that
highlighted
well to other materials, particularly to

coatings. In the final analysis, the
result is better than the
I hear clacking there, or is it perhaps Elastopan S?

In any case, feel good, feel wood..
original. The
soles not only
www.elastogran.de
feel like
Backround
Feel Wood Facts

Material:
Elastopan S shoe
sole systems
Application:
shoe soles made of

imitation wood
Wood or not wood?

Elastopan S!
Properties:
degree of hardness
comparable to that of
wood, good adhesion
to surface coating,
can be used with nails
19.06.2006
15:14 Uhr
Seite 32
Applications
32
Harmonious down to the last detail

Ultramid products in the Hundertwasser train station in Uelzen
hen travelers pass through
fiti on the walls, travelers are greeted by
the heather fields of the
well-lit, friendly halls, colorful, ornamented
Lneburger Heide and arrive
columns and turrets with shiny golden
at the Uelzen train station, they can expect
cupolas. From 1999 to 2001, this train sta-
to find anything but a gray, dismal, con-
tion which dates back to the time of
crete building. Instead of the dark, drafty
Emperor Wilhelm II and which used to be
passages, neglected architecture and graf-
the most important railroad junction

between the German cities of Hamburg
and Hannover was extensively renovated
on the basis of drawings by Friedensreich
Hundertwasser (1928-2000). In the famous
style of Hundertwasser, architects deliberately avoided corners, replacing them with
organic forms, and the planners made sure
there was no shortage of color either. They
boldly created a blend of esthetics and
functionality: the train station was intended
to be an artistic attraction and, at the same
time, make travelers passing through feel
as comfortable as possible.
Ultramid B3S
in Use
Thus, for instance, the entire building was
created without barriers. This architecture
provides easy access to senior citizens and
the handicapped, in part through the use of
products made by Hewi, a company headquartered in Bad Arolsen in the German
state of Hesse which, for 75 years, has
been adorning buildings with contemporary,
architecturally harmonious details, ranging
The Hundertwasser train station in Uelzen like something from One Thousand and One
from signs and electronic locking systems
Nights.
to bathroom fixtures, all the way to door
19.06.2006
15:15 Uhr
Seite 33
33
Applications
Hundertwasser
was very fond of
soft and round
shapes.
and window fittings. Hewi makes use of the

advantages offered by the BASF plastic
Ultramid. Thus, all of the sanitary installations of the Hundertwasser station, including grab bars, handrails, armatures and
door handles are made of Ultramid B3S, an
engineering plastic based on polyamide 6.
The special features of Ultramid are its positive properties when employed for articles
Photos: Engineering Office Breidenbach & Eggers
of daily use: Ultramid is particularly wellsuited for mechanically stressed parts
Columns in a riot of
which entail high demands in terms of their
colors not two
resistance to breakage. This plastic also
alike.
stands out for its very good thermal characteristics as well as its resistance to light and
its favorable hygienic values, all properties
that account for the long service life of
these fixtures made of Ultramid.
Expressive
Colors
Sturdy, reliable and good-looking in addition to the functional plus points of this
BASF plastic, the Hewi company also takes
advantage of the option of using colored
Ultramid. For their new design of the Uelzen
train station, the architects chose colorful
round shapes of the Hewi products
door handles and armatures from among a
employed also reflect the soft organic shap-
palette of twelve vivid colors. The barrier-
ing of the newly designed mosaics,
free grab bars and handrails are deep black
columns and curved walls. So, it is no won-
so they could be precisely incorporated into
der that this station in Lower Saxony, once
Hundertwassers differentiated color con-
a starting point and hub for travelers, has
cept: he used mosaics in black and white,
long since become a popular destination in
interspersed with red and blue stones. The
its own right.
19.06.2006
15:15 Uhr
Seite 34
Applications
34
Knee protection on four wheels

A bumper stiffener made of Ultramid enhances the protection
of pedestrians in traffic
t is black, curved, one meter long, it
tion requirements of the European
weighs one kilogram and it is one
Union directive and it also meets the
of those inconspicuous parts of a
complex technical demands made of
car of which only an expert knows
the front end by automobile manufac-
how important they are for safety in
turers, namely, sturdiness in case of
traffic. The lower bumper support,
impact against an obstruction, the
engineers refer to it as the lower
lowest possible weight and ease of
bumper stiffener (LBS), is located
installation. The Opel engineers made
behind the front bumper and it can
this bumper support out of Ultramid
reduce the risk of severe knee injuries
B3WG6 CR, the fiberglass-reinforced
in case a car collides with a pedestri-
polyamide 6 developed by BASF for
an. When a pedestrian is struck by a
crash-relevant parts. In developing the
vehicle, this specially designed vehicle
LBS, BASF turned to its new method
structure yields in a defined manner,
of integrative simulation. The combina-
the impact energy is absorbed and
tion of computer-aided simulation and
this contributes to reducing the severi-
experimental data considerably
ty of the injuries to the legs of the
improves the virtual development of
pedestrian.
vehicles since integrative simulation
Together with Opel in Rsselsheim,
can image the behavior of short fiber-
BASF developed this novel part made
glass-reinforced plastic parts much
of a thermoplastic. First and foremost,
more realistically than any other
it complies with the pedestrian-protec-
known method.
19.06.2006
15:15 Uhr
Seite 35
35
Applications
Background
Integrative
Simulation
Fast, Competitive,
Reliable
More safety for pedestrians in accidents with cars has become an inte-
The special feature of integrative simula-
Without having to perform all too many costly
gral part of the type-approval certifica-
tion is that it takes into consideration all of
tests, this refined simulation method succeed-
tion for automobiles in Europe since
the essential material parameters of the
ed in designing the lower bumper stiffener in
October 1, 2005. After conducting
pure plastic. At the same time, the prop-
such a way that it meets the requirements of
crash tests, consumer protection
erties of the plastic fibers in the finished
the European Union directive pertaining to
organizations such as EuroNCAP
part also enter into the computations.
pedestrian protection. At the same time, Opel
(European New Car Assessment Pro-
This yields both the desired shape of the
and BASF constructed the bumper support
gramme) incorporate the results of the
plastic and the optimum design of the
in such a way that it fails if the vehicle crashes
pedestrian impact tests into the final
mold with which the lower bumper stiffen-
against a solid obstacle, for example, a wall.
assessment of the safety of the vehi-
er is produced. Once the BASF method
This means that the bumper support cannot
cles. Moreover, the requirements set
had been seamlessly integrated into the
damage any other parts located in the front
forth in the rating tests of underwriters
development process and into the simula-
end of the car. This lowers repair costs and
also have to be fulfilled. In the quest to
tion software at Opel, it became possible
the car is classified in a more favorable dam-
meet all of these conditions, the entire
to model the LBS in detail and to
age category for insurance purposes. In the
design concept of the front end of the
describe its crash behavior with an
final analysis, the lower bumper stiffener pro-
vehicle is put to the test. These
unprecedented degree of precision,
tects both pedestrians and drivers at the
requirements are evaluated by means
explains Dr. Steffen Frik, group leader for
same time, inconspicuously but with conspic-
of the so-called impactor component
Simulation Passive Safety at Opel in Rs-
uous success.
test, which simulates the impact of a
selsheim.
Further information: www.basf.de/ultramid
human leg against the front of a car.
19.06.2006
15:15 Uhr
Seite 36
36
What the heart of the computer yearns for

For concealed, exacting applications:
Fiberglass-reinforced Luran (SAN) in the inner workings of computer hardware
henever plastics processors
stability and a low coefficient of thermal
think of Luran BASFs
expansion are particularly sought-after
SAN they are very likely to
because the technical components are
think, Yes, a good-looking, transparent
veritable precision parts and the printing
plastic with a high-quality surface, high
and scanning have to keep functioning
level of stiffness. And they would be
smoothly even after years of operation.
right about that. But Luran is more
Kehr says, A plastic that would uncon-
than just good-looking. When this SAN
trollably expand or warp at a high tem-
is reinforced with fiberglass (Luran GF),
perature cannot be used here.
the result is a material with an extraordi-
Another plus point of Luran GF is that it
nary property profile that has often been
causes less wear and tear on the molds
overlooked by plastic experts up until
and machines than many other fiber-
now. SAN is making its way into new
glass-reinforced plastics. Moreover,
areas of application, moving, so to
according to this expert, Luran GF can
speak, from the outside to the inside of
be processed very well. It offers good
applications such as the electric & elec-
flow properties and as a rule requires
tronic areas in computer hardware.
lower processing temperatures than, for
BASF offers Luran GF in a wide array
example, polycarbonate. A wide pro-
of grades: with 20% and 35% fiberglass
cessing range makes it easier to handle
content, natural-colored, dyed black and
than competitive products, some of
white, or with UV-stabilization.
which are known to be problematic. For
Fiberglass-reinforced Luran is increas-
Now also inside the hardware: Luran GF.
ingly replacing fiberglass-reinforced poly-
most suppliers in the electronics industry, environmental friendliness and ease
carbonate for technical parts used inside
Luran still has a decisive advantage
of recycling of the plastics are also
printers and scanners, for instance, in
according to Kehr: it is up to 25 percent
issues both of which pose no problem
the body and in other functional parts of
cheaper than a comparable polycarbon-
for Luran GF.
printers and scanners, reports Gnter
ate and also cheaper than PPE/HIPS.
Kehr, responsible for plastics applications in the electronics industry at the

BASF Corporation in California. The reason for this switch to a new material is
The inner workings

of a printer
that Luran GF offers a comparable
A good
alter native
The cost pressure on device manufacturers and plastics processors is becoming
dimensional stability along with a higher
A high degree of chemical resistance is
ever greater. This is why, according to
level of stiffness and better chemical
required inside printers wherever plastic
Kehr, developers are constantly asking
resistance than a material such as fiber-
parts come into contact with printing
themselves which material properties are
glass-reinforced polycarbonate. But
inks and solvents. Good dimensional
really necessary for a given application.
19.06.2006
15:15 Uhr
Seite 37
37
Backround
Today, there is no more room for costly
over-engineering in the hotly contested
market of computer hardware. So why
Three questions for Gnter Kehr
should developers use a relatively expen-
Mr. Kehr, you are a specialist for
our daily lives, they should no longer
sive plastic like PC or PPE/HIPS when
plastics in computer applications.
look like work equipment.
they do not need properties such as an
What trends can be observed in the
excessively high dimensional stability
computer industry?
What do these trends mean for
under heat or a fire-retardant finish that
Equipment is becoming more and more
BASF?
could, in fact, even become a source of
compact, with an increasing integration
Approximately two million tons of plastics
problems? In such cases, the dimension-
of ever-more functions. Color and
were processed worldwide in 2005 for
ally stable and stiff fiberglass-reinforced
design will acquire greater importance
devices employed in information technol-
Luran is a good alternative.
for manufacturers in the future in their
ogy and entertainment electronics. The
Other interesting applications for Luran
quest to stand out among the competi-
fact that many devices continue to get
GF that have actually been realized in
tion. And it goes without saying that the
smaller naturally also means that less
some cases are in the realm of automo-
cost pressure will grow unabatedly.
plastic is used. But this is more than
tive interiors and instrumentation, in
compensated for by the growing produc-
mechanical engineering, conveyance
As far as appearance is concerned,
tion figures. The design trends are con-
technology and precision mechanics for a
what is the wave of the future?
ducive to our products. With Terluran,
variety of functional elements, also in
At the moment, there is clear move-
we have an ABS that yields elegant and
solar technology, for instance, as the
ment towards elegant, high-gloss sur-
high-gloss surfaces, and it can also be
frame and mounting parts of solar panels,
faces, for example, in black or white.
coated well and even metallized. We offer
in the construction sector, among other
Over the long haul, matt computer grey
a wide selection of transparent plastics,
things, as spacers (thermo struts) used in
is on its way out. The metallic look also
ranging from Terlux (MABS) to Luran
windows, fan impellers in heat exchang-
remains a hot item and many plastics
(SAN) all the way to polystyrene (GPPS)
ers and air-conditioning systems and
are now being coated, sometimes at
and Styrolux (SBS). Fiberglass-reinforced
many more. Fiberglass-reinforced Luran
great effort, and even metallized, in
Luran (SAN-GF) fiberglass-reinforced
is a product with great potential, summa-
order to impart a high-quality impres-
Terluran (ABS-GF) and our entire range
rizes Kehr. It is managing to make
sion. Another tendency is the so-called
of engineering thermoplastics Ultramid
inroads into sectors that so far had been
customization, in other words, individual
(PA), Ultradur (PBT), Ultraform (POM) and
the exclusive province of engineering
adaptation of the design to certain buy-
Ultrason (PSU, PES) can be used to
plastics, and besides, SAN-GF can also
er groups, which includes coating,
prduce technical parts.
be a good alternative to diecast zinc, alu-
imprinting, applying films or replacing
For the computer industry, BASF still has
minum and magnesium.
entire housing parts or faceplates.
a number products in the research
Since computers, cell phones and TVs
pipeline that are sure to surprise the
are occupying an ever-greater space in
market.
www.luran.de
19.06.2006
15:15 Uhr
Seite 38
Application
38
Squaring the Circle

First thermoset foam that can be thermoformed
ith an innovative formulation
sional automotive parts. This costly
ments of the automotive industry, it is
and process, BASF has
impregnation step is a thing of the past
offered in the color grey.
now succeeded in squaring
for the new Basotect TG; now it can be
this circle: the new Basotect TG is the
directly compression-molded under the
first thermoset foam that can be ther-
usual processing conditions, so that
moformed. The impregnating step that
making molded parts is easier and more
Basotect lends itself for acoustic insulation
used to be indispensable for thermo-
efficient. Calculations have shown that
in automobiles wherever high continuous
forming this material is now gone, vastly
production costs can be cut by as much
working temperatures prevail, such as in
simplifying its processing. The first vehi-
as 20 percent, depending on the
covers for engine hoods, partition walls
cle parts have already gone into serial
throughput rate. This foam is of interest
between the engine and the passenger
production.
not only in automotive construction but
compartments, transmission tunnels as well
also in other industries that make use of
as in engine proximity shells. No products
compression-molding methods for shap-
with a comparable performance profile exist
ing. Basotects familiar properties have
for the engine area, explains Bernhard Vath,
been retained in the TG variant: this foam
in charge of marketing and sales of Baso-
Unlike thermoplastics, thermoset materi-
on the basis of melamine resin is light-
tect. Thanks to its low weight, this material
als such as Basotect cannot be shaped
weight (approximately 9 kg/m2) and
has also found its way into airplane seats
or melted under heat. This is why until
flame-resistant, it can be employed at
and acoustic insulation in buildings. Baso-
now, Basotect had to be impregnated
temperatures of up to 200C [392F] and
tect belongs to BASFs PlasticsPlus prod-
with adhesives, pressed and then dried
displays an extraordinary sound-absorp-
uct line.
in order to form complex, three-dimen-
tion capacity. In tune with the require-
Further information: www.basf.de/basotect
No more
impregnation
Basotect TG, the first thermoset foam that can be shaped under heat.
Basotect
19.06.2006
15:15 Uhr
Seite 39
39
Newsflash
Newsflash
Editor
Ultrason capacity
doubled
BASF specialty plastic for

motorcycle fairing
plastics
BASF is doubling the production
British motorcycle manufacturer Tri-
Editorial Team:
capacity for its engineering plastic
umph is using BASFs specialty plastic
Ultrason in Ludwigshafen, Germany.
Terblend N for the fairing of its new
Waldemar Oldenburger,
BASF Aktiengesellschaft (responsible)
The expansion to 12,000 metric tons
sports model, the Daytona 675. The
per year will be completed by the end
use of this new material allows the fair-
of 2007. Plastics bearing the brand
ing to be thinner, thus reducing the
name Ultrason are particularly well-
weight of the motorcycle. This products
Chris Wilson/BASF UK
suited for use at high temperatures.
high dimensional stability under heat
Karen Kling/BASF Aktiengesellschaft
Some of their uses include reflectors in
allowed Triumph designers to install the
Dr. Sylvia Kaufmann/Elastogran
the headlights of cars, components in
fairing close to the engine and to the
the coolant and oil circulation systems
exhaust pipe, giving the motorcycle a
of engines, in a number of electrical
very compact and sleek look. John
BASF Aktiengesellschaft
applications as well as in aerospace.
Philips, product engineer at Triumph,
KS/KC E 100
Ultrason is manufactured exclusively
also elaborates on the products ease
67056 Ludwigshafen
in Ludwigshafen. The worldwide mar-
of processing, Terblend N does not
Phone +49 621 60-46910
keting and applications development of
entail any of the numerous cosmetic
Fax: +49 621 60-49497
this product are likewise handled in
problems that are often encountered in
Ludwigshafen.
coated ABS components. The Day-
Distribution:
tona 675, with its 123 HP, is available in
Dr. Ulla Biernat/KS/KC

David A. Elliott/BASF Corporation/USA
Lilian Hoh/BASF South East Asia
Editorial adress:
three colors: golden yellow, tornado red

and graphite.
Layout:
Spektrum, Ludwigshafen
Yes, I want to win
please send me more

information on
plastics editorial office
KS/KC E 100
Name
Fax: +49 621 60-49497
Luran S
Company
designfabrik
Ultramid
Road
Ultradur
Town/post code
Basotect
Telephone
= Reg. trade mark of BASF Aktiengesellschaft
Elastopan S
Elastoskin
= Reg. trade mark of Elastogran GmbH
Fax
Further Information:
www.plasticsportal.com
Fax
plastics
Fax-reply to the editorial staff
19.06.2006
15:15 Uhr
Seite 40
Just relax:
You can rely on us.
Basotect
PlasticsPlusTM are BASFs innovative
Ecoflex
plastics and solutions. You can rely on
Ecovio
Luran S
Neopolen
Palusol
PermaSkin
Styroflex
Terblend N
them. Our product portfolio gives you

the planning reliability that you need in
your markets. Naturally, you can also
count on our consistently high quality
and reliability of supply.
So our Plus in reliability offers you a
Plus in success.
Terluran HH
Terlux
www.basf.de/plasticsplus
BASF Plastics
key to your success

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Plastics_01_06_E.

The international plastics magazine from BASF

Chemistry on four wheels

Summer clothes for the snow

cles of the future, the number one automotive mate-

Clear road ahead

rial is rapidly losing ground: plastics are taking over

more and more tasks that used to be the exclusive domain

The traffic light guy

of metals. And this is only one example of a much wider

World Cup fever

gas guzzler, they are still referring to gasoline-powered vehicles.

To recandle the imagination of

So, an old house?

True beauty lies within

Attention! Optical illusion!

tions. Admittedly, our guzzlers still need gas but chrome

Train station from One Thousand and

actually a sidewall is no longer necessarily made of steel, while

Knee protection on four wheels

What the heart of the computer

Squaring the Circle

Without chemistr y, cars would not run

Did you know that

translates into 5% to 7% less fuel

ing to do with the plastics and chemical

Leather is tanned so as to be soft, dyed

products traveling our highways and

and imparted with a high gloss using reac-

byways. So, the best for a car is just barely

tants from the chemical laboratory. Dash-

Would you have known that, despite all

good enough? That has certainly not

boards make use of polyamide and

efforts to the contrary, cars have become

changed at all; today, too, materials that

30 percent heavier on the average over

ensure top-notch performance are

And under the hood, there is an entire

the past thirty years? Even though ever-

employed for luxury cars as well as for

polymer world temperature-resistant

lighter materials are employed, this is

family saloons. With ever greater frequency,

plastics function right next to the engine

more than offset by the installation of

these materials are the brain children of the

block, which keeps getting hotter because

more and more new components such as

think tanks in the chemical industry. They

of the shrinking space available and the

automatic windows, seatbelt tensioners,

help make cars lighter in weight and thus

ever-greater power of engines. Cable

airbags. Ever better, ever smarter, ever

more economical. And better-looking, too.

sheathing, insulating materials, gaskets,

stronger. Finding the right solution for this

They enhance driving comfort and keep

various aggregates ranging from the fuel

dilemma is the task of BASFs Automotive

pump to the air intake all made of plas-