Research at Bayer

Research at Bayer MaterialScience

Investment in research and development at Bayer MaterialScience in 2007 came to EUR 209 million, not including the company’s joint development activities with customers. This was 8 percent of the Bayer Group’s R&D spending.

In the Polycarbonates business unit, for example, work is ongoing to further improve and fine-tune the melt polycarbonate process for the new polycarbonate production facility in Shanghai, China. There is also a major focus on the development of plastics with improved flame-retardant properties for the electrical and automotive industries (Bayblend® FR series and Makrolon®) and high-performance polycarbonate film (Makrofol®) for automotive interiors and cellphone housings.

New applications for high-tech materials

Waterborne 2K PU coating Meeting ecological requirements	Printable aliphatic Desmopan® films for improved mechanical properties and light stability
Aspartates for innovative corrosion protection	Multitec® Short Fiber Spraying – fast, efficient process
New Makroblend® product lines for use in automotive exterior parts – high toughness even at low temperatures	ETICS External thermal insulation composite system
Flame-resistant Bayblend® grades with Eco-label compliance	Bayflex® Lightweight Density reduction, excellent dynamic compression set performance
New scratch-resistant Makrolon® grades for automotive glazing	Baytron® – conductive polymer for capacitors, electrodes and antistatics

Examples of new product developments at Bayer MaterialScience:

Polycarbonates

Polyurethanes

In the Polycarbonates business unit, for example, work is ongoing to further improve and fine-tune the melt polycarbonate process for the new polycarbonate production plant in Caojing, China, which is being equipped with the very latest production processes. Examples of innovative product applications include the development of diffuser sheets that ensure even distribution of the light in the backlighting of flat LCD screens, and the development of plastics with improved flame retardance through nanoparticles.

The Polyurethanes business unit is driving the ongoing improvement of existing processes for the production of aromatic isocyanates and polyethers as well as the development of new products for new applications. In the field of modern high-performance composites, in which polyurethanes hold a key position, we have succeeded in developing a new Baydur® formulation for exterior parts of large vehicles. It is superior to the material currently used in terms of both heat resistance and strength.
A further example of our innovative capacity is the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties business unit, which is focused on the development of polyurethane raw materials for the formulation of high-quality products for the surface coatings and related industries. One important segment is that of raw materials for very low-solvent systems that are even more environmentally friendly than before. Typical examples are raw materials for thermoformable soft-feel coatings with a velvet-like touch.

To tap possible new areas of activity, the “New Business” unit studies and evaluates innovative technology and market trends. These are then implemented in the business units or in independent companies. Bayer MaterialScience also works closely with universities, institutes and start-ups throughout the world on research and development projects.