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Competence in Plastics

Foreword

Whether as materials for everyday objects, insulation or packaging,

life without plastics is now unimaginable. This is the result of more

than five decades of close cooperation between plastics manufac-

turers and processors. The first industrial production of polystyrene

and polyamide by BASF were milestones in the history of plastics,

and BASF has been active in shaping the industry ever since.

Plastics – influencing everyday lifeNo material that is used in comparable amounts comes anywhere

near to matching the growth rates for plastics. In all regions of the

world, demand for plastics is rising faster than the respective gross

domestic product. This is because plastics are the material of choice

when it comes to satisfying the requirements of everyday life and

making the way we live as pleasant as possible. Plastics are always

the number one choice – for the packaging and transport of food,

house construction and insulation, household applications, transport

or leisure activities.

Plastics – eco-efficient, functional and beautifulPlastics help to increase energy efficiency and save resources: Over

the life of a product, plastics used in vehicles, electrical appliances

or buildings save far more oil and gas than were needed to produce

them in the first place. Plastics are easy to process. Even complicated

integrated components can be manufactured in only a few steps. At the

same time, they offer an enormous variety of unique properties. Plastics

are suitable for energy recovery or feedstock and mechanical recycling.

When the entire product lifecycle is taken into account, plastics are

usually best – both economically and environmentally. Plastics combine

functionality and beauty to provide ideal solutions.

Plastics – innovations that will shape the futureToday, BASF’s plastics are represented in all the world’s major mar-

kets – wherever our customers are. Together with our customers,

we are systematically developing the properties of plastics to open

up new applications. This brochure offers you an insight into these

developments. Join us in taking a closer look at the world of poten-

tial offered by BASF and its plastics portfolio. Joint development

efforts with intelligent solutions – both economically attractive and

sustainable.

Dr. Martin Brudermüller

Member of the Board of

Executive Directors of BASF SE

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Foreword 02

Plastics – Versatile materials with future potential 04 -05

Energy-efficient products and system solutions 06-07

Mobility – Lighter, more economical, cleaner 08-09

Construction – Saving energy, conserving resources 10 -11

Communication – Keeping in touch worldwide 12 -13

Leisure – Getting closer to nature 14 -15

Packaging – Thin layers keep things fresh 16 -17

Overview – Industries and products 18 -19

Overview of BASF plastics 20 -29

Recovery – The end is just the beginning 30-31

Dialogue: Plastics – Opportunities for the future 32 -33

List of abbreviations & Contact 34 -35

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Plastics are only a few decades old, yet within

this short time they have already become firmly

established in every area of our lives. Polymer

chemistry is still so young, however, that it has an

enormous potential to contribute toward sustain-

able development.

Plastics – Versatile materials with future potential

Plastics are everywhere: Hardly a single aspect of our daily life is now

conceivable without them. There are many different kinds, and they have

a broad spectrum of properties. Some are soft, others hard, some are

tough, while others are fragile; there are foamed and smooth, transpar-

ent and opaque plastics. But all plastics have one thing in common:

They are polymers, consisting of long chains made up of individual basic

units known as monomers. Nature successfully utilizes this construction

principle in countless ways. Sugars, starches or plant fibers like cellulose

are some examples.

The structural units for plastics are produced mainly from oil and gas.

Varying the chain length, incorporating branches or combining different

basic units produces materials capable of performing a multiplicity of

functions and which can also be processed easily and efficiently.

The highly efficient structural principle underlying polymer chemis-

try has revolutionized the world of engineering materials within a few

decades. Plastics offer many advantages, especially from an environ-

mental point of view. Compared to other materials, they require little

energy for production and processing. Their main benefit, however, lies

in the huge range of applications they make possible. Thanks to their

versatile, tailor-made properties, plastics are indispensable in many

areas. Plastics already make a significant contribution to conserving

resources and reducing the impact on the environment. And there is

no doubt that they will continue to grow in importance worldwide as we

tackle the current and future challenges of securing our standard of liv-

ing and quality of life.

Experience and know-how throughout the entire process chain from production, through computer-aided design to component testing:

• Production of caprolactam

• Computer-aided design of a headlight frame made from Ultradur®

• Component testing of an inlet manifold made from Ultradur

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BASF has achieved many major breakthroughs in the plastics sector,

such as the first industrial-scale manufacture of polystyrene in 1930

and polyamide in 1940. This was followed 10 years later by the inven-

tion of Styropor®. Research into many new basic polymer units at the

beginning of the plastics era has resulted in improved combinations of

properties, especially by modifying known polymers, and has yielded

creative ideas for processing technologies. Two examples are the in -

vention of Neopor®, which surpasses even the classical Styropor in

its energy-saving properties, and Elastocoast®, an innovative coastal

protection system based on polyurethane. But research activities also

include the search for increasingly efficient production processes to turn

valuable raw materials into high-performance plastics. BASF, as one

of the world’s largest plastics producers, is thereby contributing to sus-

tainable development and helping to safeguard our future.

Only five percent of the world’s oil is used to produce plastic materials. The energy saved thanks to the use of plastics far exceeds this amount.

Global consumption of mineral oil

Chemistry

In percent

Transport Plastics

HeatingElectricity

Source: ExxonMobil and Wintershall

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BaSf is one of the world’s leading producers of plas-

tics. our Performance Polymers and Poly urethanes

divisions offer energy-efficient products and system

solutions as well as customer-oriented services.

Energy-efficient products and system solutions

StrategyWe concentrate on activities which allow us to distinguish ourselves

from our market competitors and offer us profitable growth opportu-

nities. Our customers are primarily in the construction, automotive,

electrical and electronics, textile, packaging and furniture industries.

The diverse properties of our plastics are also increasingly appealing

to customers from other industries. By substituting for other materials,

we broaden our portfolio of customer industries, grow faster than the

market and become less dependent on the cyclicality of individual in-

dustries. When developing new products and system solutions, we

focus on close cooperation with our customers. We aim to improve

our production processes in a sustainable way: conserving more

resources, producing more energy efficiently, and using more cost-

effective raw materials.

Our productsThe Performance Polymers division is one of the world’s leading sup-

pliers of engineering plastics, polyamides and polyamide intermediates,

foams and specialty plastics.

We offer our customers a broad portfolio of engineering plastics based

on polyamide 6 and polyamide 6,6 ( Ultramid® ). This is complemented

by our products Ultradur®, Ultraform® and Ultrason®. Due to their special

mechanical properties and the combination of low weight with high

temperature and chemical resistance, our engineering plastics are widely

used in the automotive, electrical and electronics industries as well as

for household appliances and in sports and leisure products.

For the textile, packaging and food industries, we offer polyamide poly-

mers as important base products for the manufacturing of fibers and

films. Our product range also includes Ecoflex® and Ecovio® – biodegrad-

able specialty plastics, for example for the packaging industry.

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Freeport Geismar

Antwerp Ludwigshafen

Nanjing

Kuantan

Styropor® and its innovative refinement Neopor® – both styrene-based

precursors for foams – are used as insulating material for construction

and packaging. Our foams contribute not only to energy efficiency: The

melamine-based foam Basotect® also provides excellent sound absorp-

tion in buildings, cars and airplanes.

The Polyurethanes division is one of the leading suppliers of basic

products, systems and specialties. With our worldwide network of 38

polyurethane system houses and our comprehensive product and ser-

vice portfolio, we are the preferred partner of our customers in many

industries.

Our polyurethane solutions help to save energy sustainable and are

used extensively for cold as well as heat insulation applications. Rigid

foam products are the preferred material for many cooling systems for

food or pharmaceutical products. The use of polyurethane insulation in

all the steps of a cold chain saves up to 16 times more energy than is

required to manufacture the polyurethane. Our Elastopor®, Elastopir®

and Elastocool® materials combine greater insulation capacity with

innovative technology to guarantee superior refrigeration. Furthermore,

our polyurethane solutions are used to insulate hot water tanks and

pipelines for district heating or cooling.

In the automotive industry, polyurethanes help make vehicle designs

lighter and more attractive, and improve their functionality. Manufac-

turers of shoe soles, mattresses, household appliances and sports

equipment also use the manifold opportunities and advantages of this

specialty plastic and benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our

polyurethane experts worldwide.

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one hundred and twenty times as much petroleum is

now consumed by road traffic than in the total pro-

duction of plastics for the automotive sector. lighter

vehicles can significantly reduce fuel consumption,

thus conserving resources. BaSf plastics are making

this possible: Their uses range from bodywork and

chassis to interior fittings and engine components.

This has led to the use of manufacturing technologies such as vibration

welding, which make a significant contribution toward reducing manu-

facturing costs.

High fuel consumption is no longer an unavoidable feature of automo-

biles: About one-half of fuel consumption depends on the weight of the

vehicle. Plastics reduce this weight and so help to conserve energy

and reduce emissions.

BASF offers a wide range of cost-efficient products designed to make

cars lighter, longer-lasting and thus more eco-compatible.

At the same time, BASF is working with partners in the automotive

industry to create new applications for plastics. We have made pioneer-

ing achievements: for example in developing plastic inlet manifolds,

fuel tanks, accelerator pedals, fenders, dashboards and engine sumps.

Mobility – Lighter, more economical, cleaner

Today, a modern medium-sized car in western Europe

contains about 200 kilograms of plastics that make

driving safer and more comfortable. using plas-

tics instead of other materials also reduces vehicle

weight and consequently fuel consumption. in west-

ern Europe, this results in fuel savings of around 2.3

million tons and reduces co2 emissions by approxi-

mately 9.2 million tons.

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For example, an inlet manifold made from plastic weighs half as much

as the corresponding metal part. Reducing the weight of a car by 100

kilograms reduces fuel consumption by around 0.4 liters per 100 kilome-

ters. Another advantage: Plastic doesn’t rust. Exterior parts therefore do

not need a surface coating. Plastic also improves safety – the airbag,

itself made of plastic fibers, is enclosed in a plastic housing, the steer-

ing wheel and dashboard displays are surrounded by foamed plastic,

the mechanical components of safety belts or interior fittings – all these

things can be made with the help of BASF plastics.

Last but not least, polyurethane applications with Elastollan® and

Elastoskin® ensure that door handles, center consoles and dashboards

have a great surface feel and look good.

Not only automobiles benefit from the new materials. In shipbuilding, a

steel-polyurethane-steel composite ( Sandwich Plate System) is replac-

ing conventional steel components as structural elements. It offers

greater strength, better vibration absorbance and reduced weight, all

for lower overall costs. Plastics from BASF also improve economy, per-

formance and comfort in rail and air traffic.

Product developments under the aspects of material strength and weight reduction:

• First engine sump for trucks made of a thermoplastic polymer ( Ultramid® )• Inlet manifold made from Ultramid• Cellasto® spring and damping element

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Building and living without plastics is now hardly

imaginable. from the basement to the roof they bring

color into the home, create attractive surfaces, offer

protection against noise, cold and heat. in this way

they help conserve ener gy and reduce the burden

on the environment, since heating is responsible for

about 30 percent of global oil consumption. Perhaps

the homes of the future will no longer need conven-

tional heating, thanks to plastic insulating materials

that already exist today.

low-energy houses – whether old or new – are no

problem with insulating foams made from plastic.

The “three-liter house” – an older building modern-

ized using innovative BaSf products – requires

three liters of heating oil per square meter and year,

equivalent to only 12 percent of the original heating

energy. as a result, co2 emissions are reduced by over

80 percent.

tons of heating oil and more than 50 million tons of CO2 emissions

could be saved every year.

What was recently regarded as unbeatable, has now been surpassed:

The silver-gray Neopor®, an advanced form of Styropor, provides the

same insulating effect with significantly less raw materials. As a result,

costs and resources are saved and the environmental impact further

reduced. Although the thickness of the layer is reduced by 15 to 20 per-

cent, the material provides the same insulating performance and so it can

be used when there is limited space, for example in modernizing older

buildings.

A further product based on polystyrene is the green-colored, extruded

Styrodur® C. This material is very compression resistant, absorbs practi-

cally no water and is thus particularly suitable as heat insulation for

floors, flat roofs, basement walls, refrigerated and store rooms, and even

in road and rail construction.

The use of insulating materials made from BASF plastics saves fossil

energy resources and significantly reduces CO2 emissions. This makes a

major contribution to climate protection.

BASF offers a complete range of solutions for insulation based on polysty-

rene and polyurethane. Styropor® for the manufacture of rigid polystyrene

foam is an invention of BASF and is now almost a synonym for insulating

board.

The efficiency of Styropor is enormous: In an 80 m2 older apartment

insu lated with Styropor board, it is possible to save 1,120 liters of heat-

ing oil and 3,600 kilograms of CO2 annually. This corresponds to a

re duction of more than 70 percent compared with the heating energy

required for a non-insulated apartment. However, only 973 liters of oil

are needed to produce the Styropor board to insulate the apartment.

Based on cal culations for the whole of Germany, more than 20 million

Construction – Saving energy, conserving resources

Long life and protection against heat and cold conserve resources – possible thanks to products from BASF:

• Neopor® also insulates where space is restricted: e.g., when modernizing older buildings• Styrodur® C is suitable for external insulation at ground level and in areas exposed to compression

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Polyurethanes are energy-efficient all-rounders. As well as helping to save

energy and costs, rigid polyurethane foams offer architects design freedom

and create more living space by enabling thinner construction elements. In

housebuilding, polyurethane is therefore used in many roof, wall and floor

applications. Moreover, Elastopor® and Elastopir® rigid foams are used as

the core material in metal-faced sandwich panels, for example as facade

and roof elements in cold stores and industrial buildings.

Thanks to their outstandings insulating properties, rigid polyurethane foams

are used in many applications, not just in buildings. They are to be found

in almost all the world’s refrigerators and freezers, for instance. In addition,

they are used to insulate hot water tanks and district heating pipes.

Living comfort can also be enhanced by the use of latent heat stores in

plastic microcapsules that can be incorporated in the plaster of buildings.

As temperatures rise, the waxy contents of the capsules melt, thereby

storing the heat.

Basotect®, a flexible open-cell foamed plastic made from melamine

resin provides a pleasant quiet indoor environment due to its high sound

absorption capacity. In the construction sector, Basotect is also used to

insulate solar panels and boilers.

Polyurethanes are not just used as insulating materials in the construction

industry: Elastocoast®, an innovative solution for coastal protection based

on polyurethane has been further developed by BASF researchers. The

result is Elastopave®, a polyurethane system that provides a stable, flex-

ible and porous covering layer for surfaces such as sidewalks and cycle

paths, parking lots and schoolyards.

• Coastal protection with Elastocoast®

• Polyurethane sandwich panels

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Communication – Keeping in touch worldwide

The technologies of the future are only possible thanks

to the properties of plastics: These include their high

mechanical strength, efficient processing techniques

and good insulating properties.

The worldwide networking of communications media has become a

matter of course in just a few years. Business enterprises now rely

completely on global contacts, information circles the globe in seconds,

and private users also benefit greatly from the new technology in their

daily lives. Without plastics none of this would be possible. They are an

indispensable part of communications technology. Video conferences

and webinars eliminate unnecessary travel and help conserve energy.

In mobile telephones and computers, important components in all types

of modern equipment are made from BASF plastics.

Outwardly, they are visible as displays, housings and keyboards, while on

the inside plastics act as supports and anchors to ensure that everything

stays in place. Similarly, plastics provide good electrical insulation. Roof-

mounted satellite dishes are also made of plastic. After all, despite sun,

rain and snow they should continue functioning for years, without rusting,

and above all reliably and fault-free – plastic makes all this possible.

modern information technology has made multi media

communications possible around the globe – and this

is now a basic requirement for the successful function-

ing of the world economy. Plastics are an integral part

of this technology, in computers, telephones or as

satellite dishes.

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The data highway depends on ultra-high performance fiber optic cables.

Here, polymers are already doing valuable service as glass fiber coatings

and will one day probably replace glass fiber completely. Screens and

monitors too cannot manage without plastics. The optical sharpness of

flat panel displays is now improved by a polymer coating. Plastic films

have already replaced TV tubes and the next generation of electronic

devices will also rely on innovations based on plastics.

For fast and reliable communication:

• Telephone plug made from Ultradur®

• Displays, housings and keyboards made from BASF plastics • Glass fiber cable cladding made from high molecular weight Ultradur

Many components in electrical and electronic devices require flame

re tardant properties for safety reasons. BASF offers solutions that take

equal account of safety aspects and environmental protection. The

product range includes plastics with organic or inorganic flame retar-

dants that may contain halogens or be halogen-free depending on the

respective application. In the 21st century, plastics are providing the

basis for revolutionary communication and information technologies.

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games, sports and recreation – more and more peo-

ple are using their leisure time to get out and about

in our highly technological world. hiking, traveling

and a whole range of sporting activities are becoming

increasingly popular. clothing and equipment made

from BaSf plastics are creating new leisure-time

Good shoes are essential for all sporting activities. This is another area

in which polyurethanes and BASF brands like Elastopan® are also widely

employed: They are used to make the soles of football, running and golf

shoes and the shells of ski boots.

Neopolen® P serves as the underbase of long-lasting artificial turf that is

easy on the joints of players. Fibers made of a special grade of Ultramid®

go into the manufacture of T-shirts that exhibit a consistently high level

of UV protection even after they have been worn and laundered several

times, and regardless of whether the garment is wet or dry.

Leisure – Getting closer to nature

Sailing, surfing, skiing, jogging, hiking, cycling – many leisure activities

take place outdoors. BASF plastics help people make the most of their

leisure time – with a positive impact on health and fitness. Plastics are

distinguished by a combination of particularly favorable properties: they

are light, highly flexible, insulate effectively against cold, absorb shock,

and are durable and resistant. Ultralight sailboats, brightly colored surf-

boards, high-strength skis, balls, tennis and golf clubs as well as sports

shoes for all needs are now made from high tech materials.

possibilities and help top athletes to achieve peak

competitive performance.

from surfboards and sports shoes to safety helmets –

BaSf plastics make our leisure time safer and more

attractive. and new applications are constantly being

added.

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No sporting activities without plastics – whether on sand, asphalt, water or snow:

• Kickboard with wheels made from abrasion-resistant PolyTHF®

• Artificial turf with a Neopolen® underbase

• Elastopan® shoe soles offer guaranteed high wearer comfort

• Snowboard binding made from Ultramid®

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Packaging –Thin layers keep things fresh

about one-half of the food produced in developing

countries becomes spoiled, while in Europe only one

to two percent suffers this fate. modern packaging

keeps food hygienic and fresh, protects goods from

damage and provides consumers with important

information. Plastics are particularly eco-efficient

when it comes to packaging. over the years, the

weight of packaging has been steadily reduced so

that more goods can be packaged with less plastic.

Plastics account for 17 percent by weight of all packaging materials.

This might not sound like a lot, but roughly one-half of all commodities

are packaged in plastics. Plastics have so much to offer when used

as packaging. For example, a plastic bag weighs less than 10 grams,

but can be used to carry up to 10 kilograms! A polystyrene pot for 150

grams of yogurt weighs 5 grams, whereas a glass jar for the same

amount weighs 85 grams.

Combining low weight with high performance is the great strength of

plastic packaging. This means that plastics reduce the impact on the

environment in a variety of ways: Their manufacture consumes much

less energy than for conventional materials, and the costs, volume of

waste and greenhouse gas emissions are also much lower. And lighter

packaging also saves fuel during transport. It is therefore no surprise

that plastic packaging also looks good in ecobalance calculations. Back

in 1985, a study commissioned by the German Federal Environmental

Agency showed that the manufacture of a plastic carrier bag places a

smaller burden on the environment than the manufacture of a paper

carrier bag. Studies conducted for yogurt pots, polyethylene sleeves as

milk packaging and polyethylene bags for fruit came to similar conclu-

sions.

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Example: Germany

Figures in percent

pack-agingweight

398

100

Consequences of packaging without plastics

alternative packaging materialsplastics packagings

manu-facturingcosts

100

189

garbagecollectionvolume

161

100

150

100

productionenergy

195

100

green-house gasemissions

Source: Gesellschaft für Verpackungsmarktforschung mbH ( GVM ) Gesellschaft für umfassende Analysen ( GUA )

The thinner, the easier on resources:

• Styropor® crates for the safe transport of food• Cling film made from Ecoflex® is biodegradable• Paper cup coated with biodegradable Ecovio® FS Paper

Various types of film are particularly effective as packaging materials.

Although they are usually only a few hundredths of a millimeter thick,

they protect foods from oxygen, keep moisture out and stop flavors

and fragrances from escaping. Composite films especially that consist

of several ultrathin layers (e. g., polyethylene and Ultramid®) combine

these properties to optimum effect. But the potential uses of plastics

have not yet been exhausted: Styroflex® developed by BASF, for exam-

ple, performs just as well as conventional packaging but uses even less

material, thus making a further contribution to waste prevention and

eco-efficiency. BASF’s biodegradable products Ecoflex® and Ecovio®

extend the range for special applications.

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Automotive Construction

Electrical Engineering Communication Packaging

Toys, Sports and Leisure Household

Mechanical Engineering Construction

Medical Technology

Engineering plastics

Ultradur® (PBT)

Ultraform® (POM)

Ultramid® (PA)

Ultrason® (PESU, PPSU, PSU)

Foams

Basotect®

E-por®

Neopolen® (EPE, EPP)

Neopor® (EPS)

Palusol®

Styrodur® C (XPS)

Styropor® (EPS) / Peripor® (EPS)

Polyurethanes

Cellasto®

Elastollan®

PU basic products

PU systems

Biodegradable plastics

Ecoflex® / Ecovio®

Overview – Industries and products

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Automotive Construction

Electrical Engineering Communication Packaging

Toys, Sports and Leisure Household

Mechanical Engineering Construction

Medical Technology

Engineering plastics

Ultradur® (PBT)

Ultraform® (POM)

Ultramid® (PA)

Ultrason® (PESU, PPSU, PSU)

Foams

Basotect®

E-por®

Neopolen® (EPE, EPP)

Neopor® (EPS)

Palusol®

Styrodur® C (XPS)

Styropor® (EPS) / Peripor® (EPS)

Polyurethanes

Cellasto®

Elastollan®

PU basic products

PU systems

Biodegradable plastics

Ecoflex® / Ecovio®

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EnGInEErInG PLaSTICS

Overview of BaSF plastics

ulTraform® (Pom)

www.plasticsportal.eu/ultraform [email protected]

High rigidity and stiffness Good resilience properties Excellent resistance to chemicals Outstanding sliding friction properties

ulTradur® (PBT)

www.ultradur.de [email protected]

High rigidity and strength Very good dimensional stability under heat Exceptional resistance to weathering Low water absorption

ulTramid® (Pa)

www.ultramid.de [email protected]

High strength and stiffness Excellent toughness Good resilience properties Easy processing

ulTramid® (Pa) for ExTruSion

www.polyamides.basf.com [email protected]

Outstanding mechanical properties Puncture resistance High transparency Oxygen, flavor and aroma barrier Heat resistance Thermoformability

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EnGInEErInG PLaSTICS

ulTramid® forfiBErS (Pa6)

Tenacity Softness Abrasion resistance Elastic recovery Outstanding processing properties

www.polyamides.basf.com

ulTraSon® (PESu, PPSu, PSu) High stiffness Very good mechanical strength Very high long-term service temperature Excellent hydrolysis resistance

www.ultrason.de [email protected]

BaSoTEcT®

E-Por®

www.basotect.com [email protected]

www.e-por.basf.com [email protected]

FOaMS

Melamine resin foam Low weight High sound absorption capacity Good thermal insulation properties High temperature resistance Flame-resistant Safe fire behavior

Viscoelastic, crack-resistant foam Appealing haptic and optical properties Can be stored, processed and recycled like classical Styropor® First choice for protection of high value products

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Overview of BaSF Plastics

FOaMS

nEoPolEn® P (EPP)

www.neopolen.com [email protected]

Unchanged high energy absorption after repeated impact load Molding density adjustable to meet specific requirements Resistance against chemicals Free from propellant gases and other chemical blowing agents

nEoPolEn® E (EPE)

www.neopolen.com [email protected]

Good cushioning effect Excellent recovery Resistance against chemicals Low water absorption

nEoPor® (EPS)

www.neopor.de [email protected]

Up to 20 % better insulation Up to 50 % lower use of materials than conventional EPS

PEriPor® (EPS)STyroPor® (EPS)

www.neopor.de [email protected]

Excellent thermal insulation capacity Imperviousness to moisture Outstanding impact absorption Low weight Peripor: Particularly suitable for applications exposed to compressive load High compressive strength

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FOaMS

STyrodur ® c (xPS)

www.styrodur.com [email protected]

Hydrophobic insulation material with a high compressive strength Styrodur® C is synonymous with XPS in Europe Environmentally friendly – contains air as cell gas instead of blowing agent

PaluSol®

www.palusol.com [email protected]

Suitable for applications in fire doors, bulkheads and security cabinets Silicate-based, non-combustible fire-protection panel Low response temperature Low component thickness

PaluSol® Sw

www.palusol.com [email protected]

Consists of Palusol® panels and high-density fiberboards ( HDF ) Suitable for applications in panel fire doors Low response temperature Cooling effect Low component thickness Tested fire resistance up to 90 minutes

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POLYUrETHanES


cEllaSTo®

www.cellasto.de [email protected]

Volume compressible Absorbs noise and vibrations Suitable for confined spaces Long service-life Improves driving comfort and dynamics Highly loadable

coSyPur®

www.pu.basf.eu [email protected]

Extraordinary elasticity Exceptional air-permeability Excellent long-term use properties Low emissions Molding densities from 40 to 250 kg /m³ Adjustable rigidity and recovery properties Breathable Good continuous characteristics

ElaSTocoaST®

www.elastocoast.com [email protected]

Durable Open-cell Porous structure Reduces wave power Optimum adhesion of the stones to contact points Easy and quick processing Environmentally friendly High impact resistance Maintains cavities

ElaSTocoaT®


Permanently elastic No manual dosing necessary Heat and weather-proof Long-lasting Noise-absorbing Hardens quickly Scratch-proof Wear-resistant Easy to process

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POLYUrETHanES

ElaSTocool®


Extremely high insulation Low heat conduction Low weight High energy-saving potential

ElaSToflEx® w


Excellent resilience Outstanding durability Broad freedom of design Recyclable Excellent seating comfort Variable thickness Ergonomic molding Absorption of noise and vibration Easy processing Can be produced in various hardnesses

ElaSToflEx® E


High stability and heat-related dimensional stability Excellent stone chip resistance Low wall thickness possible Short ex-mold time Extremely light Highly sound and vibration-absorbent Good adhesion to the carrier material

ElaSTocorE®


Superior performance Impact-proof because the elastomer core can better spread and absorb the forces acting on the components Vibration-absorbing Improved fatigue and corrosion resistance Highly durable

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POLYUrETHanES


ElaSTofoam®


Soft, elastic and highly abrasion-resistant Mechanical and chemical resistance Elastic even after long-term use

ElaSToliT®


High impact strength Distinctive rigidity Narrow wall thickness Boundless design freedom High surface quality Optimum flow properties Quick removal from mold Very easy processing Elastic Good bending strength

ElaSToPan®


Very comfortable to wear Good absorption features Elastic Long-lasting Good adherence to surface varnish Toughness comparable to wood

ElaSTollan®

www.elastollan.com [email protected]

Lightweight Adjustable hardness Transparent despite high wall thickness Good working qualities High abrasion and cold resistance Available in Shore hardnesses 98A to 64D High flexibility in the cold UV-resistant

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POLYUrETHanES

ElaSToPaVE®


High compressive strength No rut formation Water and air-permeable Temperature-resistant Easy processing Frost-proof

ElaSToShorE®


Excellent thermal insulation Not compressible

ElaSToPor®


High insulation Good adhesion to other materials Excellent temperature constancy Lightweight Pressure-resistant Easy processing Meets high structural requirements Extremely low thermal conductivity

ElaSToPir®


Excellent fire protection features Superior thermal and mechanical features Easy processing

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POLYUrETHanES

EcoflEx®

EcoVio®

www.plasticsportal.eu/ecoflex [email protected]

www.ecovio.com [email protected]

BIODEGraDaBLE PLaSTICS


ElaSToSKin®


Low odor Low fogging and emission levels (below VDA norm 278) Easy to process Environmentally friendly

ElaSTuran®


High dynamic resilience Top mechanical stability Low friction levels Extremely low deformation High flexibility

Enabling polymer for bio degradable compounds Compostable Certified as biodegradable according to DIN EN 13432 Petrochemical based Complies with food safety requirements

BASF’s product family for biodegradable compounds Consists of Ecoflex® and polylactic acid (PLA) Compostable Certified as biodegradable according to DIN EN 13432 Complies with food safety requirements

28

DESIGnFaBrIK TM

www.designfabrik.basf.de [email protected]

Surrounded by pipelines and technical plants, the designfabrikTM is located in the heart of BASF’s parent site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Here the industrial designers of BASF advise customers and designers concerning design in plastics. They help with the initial material selection and a plas-tic appropriate component design or with choosing an adequate process technology – thus they can bridge the gap between the world of designers and the world of plastics. Once the projects have reached an advanced stage, if necessary, they also arrange contacts with other BASF plastic specialists.

designfabrikTm service package: Finding suitable materials for each design idea Choosing the right processing method Developing a design

suitable for plastics Color library with 20,000 colors Large variety of surface textures

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Sixty percent of all materials made from plastics

have a life of over eight years. one-quarter have

already reached the end of their lifetime after one

year. But used plastics are also a valuable source

of raw materials. recovery of waste plastics must

There are four approaches to the recovery of plastics: thermal recovery,

mechanical recycling, organic recycling and feedstock recycling. Which

of these approaches is used depends on the type of plastics and the

composition of the waste streams containing the plastic. Eco-efficiency

studies can help decide which method is most appropriate.

Energy recovery ( incineration with recovery of energy)Almost all post-consumer plastics – whether separated according to

polymer type or mixed, clean or with impurities – can be used to re -

cover energy because all plastics have a high calorific value. Most

plastics contain about as much energy as crude oil. Clean incineration

with energy recovery in suitable efficient plants reduces the burden

on the environment and conserves fossil fuels.

Mechanical recyclingIf large amounts of homogeneous, uncontaminated scrap waste is

available, for example in production and processing plants or from

industrial packaging, the plastic can be remelted to produce new

molded components. With more complex products, the effort required

for dismantling, sorting, cleaning and processing limits the benefits of

mechanical recovery.

Organic recyclingOrganic recycling is also an option for biodegradable plastics. The BASF

products Ecoflex® and Ecovio® have been developed primarily for appli-

cations such as shopping bags and bags for organic waste, which –

together with biowaste – can be transformed into valuable compost in

an industrial composting facility.

take equal account of environmental, economic and

technical aspects.

in germany, nearly 80 percent of all waste plastics

are now recovered. in Europe as a whole, the rate is

almost 50 percent.

recovery –The end is just the beginning

• Telephone housings and granules recovered from them for the production of plastics containing recycled material

• Engine cover made from mechanically recycled polyamide

30

The recovery of plastics

Feedstock from oil

5% *Plastic materials

Consumer products

Landfill

Post-Use plastics

90 % *

Recycling

energyrecovery

* worldwide

mechanicalrecycling

feedstock recycling

Feedstock recyclingMixed plastic wastes can also be reduced by chemical means to their

original components which can then be re-used as raw materials. Thus,

mixtures of different and even contaminated plastics can also be pro-

cessed. The resulting raw materials can then be used to manufacture

new material to the same standard as if it were made from crude oil,

while conserving fossil fuel.

As a major plastics manufacturer, BASF has done pioneering work in

designing recovery options for wastes containing plastics by develop-

ing groundbreaking recovery methods. Together with companies in the

plastic manufacturing industry and their customers, BASF continues

to participate in various activities to open up new options for recover-

ing waste containing plastics that are viable in both environmental and

economic terms.

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Degradation of Ecoflex® in the first week … … in the second week … … and in the fourth week

31

Dialogue: Plastics – Opportunities for the future

BaSf manufactures plastics that combine high ef-

ficiency with low energy requirements and that have

a broad range of properties. as a result, we make a

significant contribution to sustainable development

and to securing basic needs and increasing the

standard of living.

The human race will only be able to survive in the

long term if it can develop sustainable forms of living

and economic activity. The efficient use of resources is

one of the most important goals. in many areas of life,

plastics are already playing a major role in reducing

the eco-burden, conserving resources and preventing

climate change. This trend will become even more

pronounced in future.

32

In the transport sector, plastics allow the construction of lighter vehi-

cles, with resulting fuel savings and a reduction in emissions.

In the building industry, high performance insulating materials made

from plastic help reduce heat loss in houses and substantially reduce

oil and gas consumption. Low energy houses will soon be the norm.

They not only economize on raw materials but also reduce the output

of carbon dioxide.

But not only durable plastic articles help to conserve resources. In the

field of packaging in particular, the use of other materials often con-

sumes more energy and has a greater impact on the environment. As

their performance increases, plastics will be used even more widely

and will meet the desired packaging requirements while requiring even

fewer resources.

Plastics are likely to become established wherever they are more eco-

efficient than other materials or where they open up completely new

applications. They help achieve sustainable development and the oppor-

tunities are far from exhausted. New ideas are now required to over-

come ingrained attitudes.

BASF is making its contribution by developing increasingly effective

plastics that can be produced with less energy and that satisfy the high

demands of customers and consumers as well as reducing the burden

on the environment.

The facts certainly speak for the benefits of plastics. But perhaps you

have questions about BASF products or about the environmental perfor-

mance of plastics in general. If so, please feel free write to us or give

us a call – we would be happy to provide you with more information

and hear your ideas, wishes and comments.

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List of abbreviations & Contact

EPE Expanded polyethylene PPSU Polyphenylsulfone

EPP Expanded polypropylene PS Polystyrene

EPS Expandable polystyrene PSU Polysulfone

PA Polyamide PU, PUR Polyurethane

PBT Polybutylene terephthalate TPU Thermoplastic polyurethane

PES, PESU Polyethersulfone XPS Extruded polystyrene

POM Polyoxymethylene

list of abbreviations

34

You can find this brochure and further information on BASF’s plastics on the Internet at:

www.plasticsportal.net or www.basf.com/productfinder

request of brochures:

BASF SE

KT / K, F 204

67056 Ludwigshafen

Fax: + 49 621 60 - 49497

E-mail: [email protected]

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contact us by post, telephone or e-mail:

BASF SE

Plastic Affairs & Communications

PO / K, E 100

67056 Ludwigshafen

Phone.: + 49 621 60 - 42301

E-mail: [email protected]

Note

The data contained in this publication are based on our current knowledge and experience. In view of the many factors that may affect processing and application of our prod-

uct, these data do not relieve processors from carrying out own investigations and tests; neither do these data imply any guarantee of certain properties, nor the suitability

of the product for a specific purpose. Any descriptions, drawings, photographs, data, proportions, weights etc. given herein may change without prior information and do not

constitute the agreed contractual quality of the product. It is the responsibility of the recipient of our products to ensure that any proprietary rights and existing laws and legis-

lation are observed. ( December 2011 )

35

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