Tree Sap, Acid Rain No Match for 2K Polyurethane Exterior Automotive Clearcoats from Bayer

Indianapolis, IN, May 11, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Nature can be a beautiful sight, but its less friendly side can ruin a vehicle’s finish.

Two-component (2K) polyurethane clearcoats offer a deep, rich appearance that can help make a beautiful vehicle exterior. These coatings also provide etch resistance from nature’s nasty side – tree sap, acid rain and bird droppings.

Additionally, 2K polyurethane coatings – using raw materials from Bayer MaterialScience LLC – provide excellent long-term durability, color retention and chemical resistance compared with previously available coatings.

Originally, 2K polyurethane clearcoats were introduced to replace thermoset acrylic (TSA) clearcoats, an acrylic resin that was crosslinked with a melamine rather than a polyisocyanate. 2K polyurethane clearcoats consist of an aliphatic (weatherable) polyisocyanate that is used to crosslink a hydroxyl, functional acrylic resin.

Prior to application, the two components (polyisocyanate and acrylic resins) are mixed in a spray gun during the spray operation, thus avoiding pot life issues. Once mixed, a chemical reaction begins to take place that ultimately leads to a cured coating with a hard, glossy finish.

Most one-component technologies require a minimum temperature for a crosslinking reaction to take place. Unless that temperature threshold is met, the coating will not fully cure. Conversely, 2K polyurethane coatings begin to cure as soon as the polyisocyanate and the co-reactant are mixed, and will eventually fully cure regardless of temperature. These benefits provide OEMs with a potentially time-saving process that also produces high-performance exterior automotive clear coats.

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 14,800 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2011 sales of 10.8 billion euros. Bayer MaterialScience’s 2011 sales in North America were $2.9 billion. 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.

Forward-Looking Statements
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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