Innovative Filament Winding Process Utilizes Polyurethane Raw Materials from Bayer MaterialScience LLC

Pittsburgh, PA, October 28, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Utility poles soaring upward 90, 100 and 110 feet in the air in some of the most wind-torn regions of the world feature impressive strength-to-weight ratios, thanks to a proprietary filament winding process by RS Technologies Inc. (RS). Using this innovative process, RS, a Canadian company with an R & D background, is moving the infrastructure industry forward with its RStandard® modular composite utility poles that feature polyurethane raw materials from Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

RS is believed to be the only player in the market using its own filament winding process with polyurethane composite materials. The RS modified filament winding process places fiberglass on the axial surface of the pole with an industry feat of zero-degree winds. This compares favorably to the seven to eight degree angles achieved with most winding processes. As with traditional filament winding, the process is mechanized and the fibers are precisely placed onto a mandrel. Strategically placing the glass and polyurethane resin results in a pole wall thickness of no more than 12 mm.

“With our two-part resin system, RStandard composite pole modules are wound within minutes and then heat cured,” said Paul Giannelia, President and Chief Executive Officer, RS.

The polyurethane composite utility poles offer a number of benefits that are not possible using traditional materials. The polyurethane composite poles are not only a more eco-friendly alternative to wood, they also offer improved strength and durability (in fact, the poles are expected to last as long as 125 years in most climates and are engineered for a minimum of 65 years in the most challenging climates). This is not only cost effective, but also contributes to the reliability of the nation’s electrical grid as well as improved safety.

“We have had an ongoing relationship with Bayer MaterialScience for more than five years, and with their help, we have been able to collaborate and optimize the raw materials that fit our product and filament winding technology,” said Giannelia.

“Bayer MaterialScience has always been a leader in advancing polyurethane chemistry, and so we were excited by the opportunity to work with Paul Giannelia and his team on their novel RS filament winding process,” said Harry George, head, Diversified Industries, New Applications, NAFTA, Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,300 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2009 sales of 7.5 billion euros. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

About RS
RS is an ISO 9001:2008 certified technology innovator that develops advanced composite material products for infrastructure markets. The composite products manufactured using the company's proprietary resins and processes are typically lighter, more durable and longer-lasting than competing products made from the traditional building blocks of wood, steel or concrete. RS’s flagship product is its award-winning RStandard® composite pole. The pole is used as transmission and distribution poles to carry electric grids and as communication structures for various uses including wireless networks and microwave communications systems.

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