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It's a Simple Equation: Less Weight = More Miles Per Gallon
"Lighten up" is the first order of business for alternative energy vehicle (AEV) materials — and we're talking about dropping more than a couple of pounds! Our technologies enable you to both reduce vehicle weight and increase design flexibility. Following are sample technologies and materials.
Bayer MaterialScience is a world leader in the supply of polycarbonate for automotive glazing (window applications, transparent roofs, backlites and sidelites) through our umbrella brand of BayVision®, which offers comprehensive products, technologies and services. Bayvision technology can slash glazing weight up to 50 percent compared with glass, cutting fuel consumption and, in turn, CO2 emissions. Proof positive is the smart fortwo which features a polycarbonate roof module made of Bayer MaterialScience's Makrolon® polycarbonate, providing weight savings of more than 40 percent compared with a comparable glass module. This roof module is believed to be the largest polycarbonate automotive panel produced in the world today. Numerous other vehicles from a number of OEMs use polycarbonate glazing and the future looks extremely promising.
Our polycarbonate glazing parts are also strong yet with the potential to trim 20 to 30 pounds (9.1 to 13.6 kg) of weight in a finished vehicle when used in panoramic roof panels, backlites and side windows.
A newer concept for manufacturing lightweight roof modules with a Class A surface is based on a pre-coated Bayer MaterialScience Makrofol® polycarbonate film. It is back-injected with a Baydur® STR polyurethane system reinforced with long glass fibers which can yield double digit mass reduction versus traditional roof materials. Polyurethane composites can also yield mass reduction when used for underbodies, load floors, and body panels, in addition to roof modules. Bayer MaterialScience's broad material portfolio can allow for consideration of more than one material technology for an application. In addition to polyurethane body panels, thermoplastic body panels from Bayer Bayblend® (PC/ABS) and Makroblend® (PC/Polyester) products can also yield mass reduction.
One of our newest technologies is Baytubes® multi-walled carbon nanotubes, using the latest in nanomaterials production technology. They provide added strength to carbon fiber body panels and when used as an additive, have the potential to improve aluminum's mechanical properties, including strength. This can lead to thinner materials being used, which reduces weight.
Bayer MaterialScience is a leader in nanomaterials commercialization, allowing us to respond to customer demand for innovative, intelligent and environmentally responsible solutions. Bayer MaterialScience has an innovative, new method for synthesizing multi-walled carbon nanotubes, enabling the company to provide ample quantities for large-scale use at a highly attractive price. Baytubes are approved by the EPA and are Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) listed.
For more information contact David Loren at 248-475-7729 or david.loren@bayerbms.com.
Bayer MaterialScience LLC \ 100 Bayer Road \ Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9741 USA
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