New at BASF - Applications Research for Engineering Plastics

06-Feb-2001

Since the beginning of this year, BASF has been following new paths in its innovation endeavors for the plastics sector: the recently founded "thermoplastics Applications Research" unit has been given the task of tapping into new areas of application for engineering plastics. This comprises substituting conventional materials in known applications as well as devising solutions for problems that can only be solved with plastics.

The activities range from basic development all the way to demonstration of suitability for mass production. In this process, the team made up of experts in plastics, construction and applications is working on the basis of its own initiatives as well as in close cooperation with customers.

BASF is convinced that new application possibilities for its plastics exist in practically all sectors, an aspect that is particularly true in light of the advances that have been made in component integration and in the manufacturing methods. Examples of this are new joining techniques, such as laser welding, and the encapsulation of insertion parts by means of injection molding. Also worth mentioning in this context are the new surface-treatment techniques, for instance, injection-molding backing and foam backing of decorative materials.

Dr. Christian Hauck, head of this new BASF unit, considers especially new technologies, whose potential is still largely unharnessed, as the main starting point for applications research. These technologies include, for example, hybrid metal constructions, long-fiber reinforcement and the film surface technique for visible parts made of plastic components.

He goes on to say, "Interesting prospects exist in the realms of automotive construction, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering." He considers fuel cells to be a special challenge, since this field will open up new horizons in plastics research.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1178/new-at-basf-applications-research-for-engineering-plastics.html