Bayer MaterialScience LLC at the 2011 Coatings Tech Conference: Innovations Enable Formulators to Customize UV-Cure Coatings Performance

Pittsburgh, PA, March 23, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Bayer MaterialScience LLC scientists showcased their most recent coatings innovations for fellow industry professionals at the recent 2011 Coatings Tech Conference in Chicago. Four Bayer MaterialScience LLC scientists presented at this event, which was sponsored by the American Coatings Association.

The presentation, “Painting a Picture of Sustainability in the Coatings World,” was given by Steven Reinstadtler, market development manager – Construction for Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties (CAS), Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

Reinstadtler focused on the social, environmental and economic components of sustainability; industry drivers such as renewable and re-useable materials and VOC compliance; and provided examples of sustainable coatings technology. He highlighted natural oil-based coatings, waterborne coatings and UV-curable technologies.

The next Bayer MaterialScience LLC presentation, “Innovative Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings – Tools for the Formulator of the 21st Century,” took place during the Hybrid Coatings session. Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s Dr. Raymond Stewart, senior R&D scientist, gave the presentation.

Dr. Stewart illustrated some of the new advances in polyurethane-based coating technology by highlighting examples of one-component waterborne polyurethane resins for glass, wood and metal coatings. He also provided some helpful hints for coatings formulators.

“UV-Curable Soft Touch Coatings,” took place as part of the Ultraviolet (UV) Coatings session. Dr. Abdullah Ekin, senior associate scientist, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, discussed the use of soft-touch coatings in various market segments, including automotive interiors, electronics and cosmetics packaging. Dr. Ekin examined different components in the coatings – such as urethane acrylates, matting agents and reactive diluents – and how these components affect both the feel of the coating, as well as its ability to pass a variety of tests.

Also part of the UV Coatings session was “UV-Curable Polyurethane Dispersion Coatings for Site-Applied Flooring,” presented by Chuck Gambino, R&D specialist, Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

Gambino covered the findings of a study on the use of UV-curable polyurethane dispersions (UV PUD) in waterborne, site-applied wood, vinyl and concrete floor coatings. He discussed the results of this study, which led to the successful development of waterborne, UV-curable coatings for site-applied floor applications, as well as the benefits of this environmentally friendly technology, which include lower odor, ultra-low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), minimum down time, ease of use and high performance results.

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 14,400 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2010 sales of 10.2 billion euros. Bayer MaterialScience's North American sales were 2.0 billion euros in 2010. 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.

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