New Bayer Waterborne Polyurethane Technology Provides Fresh Coatings for Hospital Facility Managers

Tampa, FL, February 01, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Bayer MaterialScience LLC scientists have developed a waterborne polyurethane coatings technology for healthcare facilities that is just what the doctor ordered: it offers hospital facility managers a durable coating – which is inherently low in VOCs – that is resistant to harsh cleaners and disinfectants without sacrificing aesthetics.

The Centers for Disease Control and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations issued stricter guidelines for the safe operation of healthcare facilities – requiring areas with higher contamination risk, such as emergency, operating and procedure rooms, to be cleaned more often and with harsher cleaners. Due to these revised protocols, hospital facility managers and architects are limited in their design palette when considering traditional acrylic latex wall paints. Bayer’s new coatings technology addresses the tougher requirements while maintaining other desirable qualities as well.

Bayer will discuss the development and testing of the new technology in a technical paper: “New Architectural Coatings Technology Targeted at Stricter Hospital Infection Protocols,” authored by Kathy Allen, technology manager, and Steven Reinstadtler, industrial marketing manager, Coatings, Adhesives, and Specialties, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. Reinstadtler will present the findings during Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) Conference 2012. The event takes place Jan. 30 – Feb. 2 in Tampa, Fla.

Hospital facility owners, architects and consultants shared three main attributes for hospital wall coatings: low odor, durability and price. The Bayer scientists tested several architectural waterborne acrylic latex wall paints, two-component waterborne polyurethane resin systems and waterborne epoxy coatings. The coatings were applied to wallboard panels primed with a standard wall primer, coated with the test materials and aged for seven days to eliminate the effects of cure time. After the aging, several tests were performed to ensure the desirable attributes were achieved.

Testing revealed that the use of the new waterborne polyurethane technology allows hospital administrators to reduce the number of repeat painting cycles. It also makes it possible to achieve a low-gloss or matte finish, which is sought after in healthcare facilities, without sacrificing durability.

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.

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