Blast-Resistant Structural Envelope from Bayer MaterialScience LLC Offers New Level of Protection for Buildings and Occupants

Pittsburgh, PA, August 29, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Protecting people and other critical assets from the devastation of an explosive attack is a high priority for security and building managers – and Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

Harnessing its high-tech materials expertise, Bayer has developed Hygard® BL80 Shock-Wave Sentinel as an advanced solution that establishes a new level of blast resistance without the drawbacks of traditional approaches. The patent-pending Hygard® BL80 can be integrated into the design of a structure, helping to protect most buildings and occupants from bomb attacks while preserving an open, attractive appearance.

“As risks to high-visibility buildings and their occupants escalate, security and building management officials are seeking better options for protection,” said Roger Rumer, marketing leader, Public Sector Business, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “We appreciate their concerns as a true life and death matter. Hygard® BL80 can help make a significant contribution to the security of critical infrastructure.”

Shock-tube and open-range testing demonstrated Hygard® BL80 can withstand 80 psi peak pressure and 380 psi-msec impulse, approximately 30 percent above the most demanding requirement. Hygard® BL80 will be manufactured according to ISO-9001 compliant processes and procedures.

Key benefits include:
• Protects people and building structural integrity
• Provides appealing architectural aesthetics
• Preserves building functionality
• Can be used to retrofit existing structures or designed into new structures
• Costs less than new construction
• Minimizes disruption of operations created by relocation
• Eliminates need for temporary relocation during construction.

Bayer’s Hygard® BL80 is designed to absorb an explosive shock-wave in order to leave a building intact[1] and minimize operational disruption. Hygard® BL80 offers a cost-effective, delivered solution from conception to completion.

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 14,700 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2010 sales of 10.2 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.

[1] Hygard® BL80 is designed to effectively absorb the shock wave of a blast which generates 80 psi of pressure and 380 psi-msec impulse and still leave the protected structure with minimal damage.

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