Bayer Materialscience LLC Examines New Markets for UV-Cure Coatings Technology

Pittsburgh, PA, November 11, 2010 --(PR.com)-- For the past 25 years, the use of ultraviolet (UV)-cure coatings has been mainly focused on the wood coatings market. UV-cure coatings were and continue to be effective in wood applications, but changing regulations and formulator preferences are expanding their range of use.

Mike Dvorchak, strategic technology manager, UV-Cure Oligomers and PUDs, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, presented “UV-Cure Coatings Technology – New Markets, New UV Oligomers and New UV PUDs” as part of the UV Technologies in Industrial Coatings Session at the recently held North American Industrial (NAI) Coatings Show.

In his presentation, Dvorchak discussed the evolution of uses for UV-cure coatings. UV-cure coatings are typically thought of as 100 percent solids, but they can also be waterborne in composition, further increasing their range. “UV-cure coatings are typically thought of for wood coatings applications, but now they are increasingly being used in a variety of other markets,” says Dvorchak. He continues, “Direct-to-metal applications are a main growth area for UV-cure coatings. They can be utilized for everything from automotive to industrial applications.”

According to Dvorchak, with the expanding market scope for UV-coatings, their popularity is also growing. UV-cure coatings have experienced growth of 7 to 8 percent in many coatings markets. These coatings offer many benefits for formulators, such as faster curing speed and lower volatile organic compound (VOC) levels compared to traditional coatings. This environmentally friendly aspect is especially true for waterborne UV-cure coatings. By choosing UV-cure coatings, formulators are able to meet the needs of government-mandated reductions in VOCs and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).

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.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

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