Material solutions for cars, ships and trains
On the move with innovation
Even the bumpers of the world’s first mass-produced automobile were made of iron. Today, however, plastics make up about 15 percent of the weight of an average car – and the figure is rising. This increase is understandable, given the wide range of innovative materials from Bayer MaterialScience. The properties of these materials also benefit aircraft, ships and rail transport.
In automobiles, plastics are replacing steel and glass, and are being used for integrated solutions. This helps to make cars considerably lighter.
In automobiles, plastics are replacing steel and other metals, and are being used for integrated solutions such as panoramic roofs. This helps to make cars as much as 30 percent lighter – good for both the climate and scarce resources. Ten percent less weight corresponds to around five percent less fuel consumption.
Among the products supplied by Bayer MaterialScience are composite materials made with polyurethane foam. These materials can be used to manufacture lightweight, yet strong bodywork parts.
Clear as glass and beautifully shaped
Easy to process, shatter-resistant and lightweight, the transparent, high-performance plastic polycarbonate offers a particularly high degree of design freedom. Makrolon® from Bayer MaterialScience can be used to produce not only glazings, but also entire panoramic roofs – even with extras such as infrared filters for protection against the sun’s rays.
Plastic is also of major importance for the electric car, on which many hopes are riding. These vehicles must be particularly light in order to compensate for the weight of the batteries and cover longer distances. And safety plays a key role when it comes to batteries, making this another focus for Bayer MaterialScience. The company has created a special plastic blend for the protection of the casings.
Advancing on land, sea and in the air
Innovative power is in demand in the aviation industry. For instance, Bayer MaterialScience is developing ultra-lightweight materials for the Solar Impulse project, which boldly plans to circumnavigate the world in a manned aircraft powered solely by the energy of the sun.
Another Bayer MaterialScience contribution to sustainability in rail transport will soon enable trains to roll down the tracks more quietly, thanks to Durflex® polyurethane foam system that stabilizes the ballast stones.
Plastics in transportation also mean innovative coatings, for which Bayer MaterialScience provides the raw materials. They put an end to graffiti on the walls of train cars and protect ship hulls against corrosive sea water or infestation with crabs and mussels. And small scratches in a car’s finish disappear like magic.