Bayer MaterialScience Polycarbonate Materials: Illuminating Options for Architectural and Commercial Lighting

Philadelphia, PA, April 24, 2013 --(PR.com)-- As lighting technology and design continue to advance, lighting professionals are seeking materials that meet rigorous technical specifications and appeal to the eye. Bayer MaterialScience LLC offers architects, designers, engineers and other lighting professionals diverse solutions to emerging functional and aesthetic needs – a robust selection of light-managing polycarbonate plastics, films and sheet materials, complemented by deep technical and application expertise.

Bayer will highlight its expertise and polycarbonate product line for the architectural and commercial lighting markets at booth #4714F during LIGHTFAIR® International (LFI®). Taking place April 21-25, 2013, LFI is believed to be the largest trade show and conference of its kind, attracting more than 23,000 attendees.

Bayer offers several grades of its Makrolon® polycarbonate plastics that are well-suited to lighting applications.

With molded-in color, Makrolon 6265X polycarbonate plastic allows for high diffused reflectivity for a wide variety of applications. This material is listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) with a UL 94 V-0 rating at 1.5 mm.

Makrolon LED2643 polycarbonate plastic was developed to improve light transmission and stability to heat and high flux for LED light sources. This impact-resistant material is UL listed and has achieved an f1 rating. For outdoor applications, AURA™ UV infusion technology can extend the product life of lenses, covers and transparent enclosures by improving the retention of color, clarity and optical properties.

Makrolon FR7087 polycarbonate plastic is a transparent polycarbonate that is UL 94 flame rated 5VA at 3.0 mm. Applications include lenses, covers and electrical enclosures where clarity really counts.

Makrolon TC8030 polycarbonate plastic, a thermally conductive grade, is used to replace aluminum for heat-sink applications in LED replacement lamps and next-generation luminaires. Benefits include corrosion resistance, weight savings, and greater design freedom. Makrolon TC8030 polycarbonate has a UL 94 flame class rating of V-0 at 2.0 mm and is also f1 listed.

Lighting designers and engineers turn to Bayer’s polycarbonate sheet products when they need a versatile material that can help light up their creative vision.

Specifically developed for diffusion lenses in LED lighting fixtures, Makrolon Lumen XT sheet diffuses light uniformly, while minimizing hot spots and resisting high temperatures with a UL 94 V-2 flammability rating. It also offers the impact resistance of Bayer polycarbonate for applications in damage-prone areas.

Bayer also offers several polycarbonate films formulated for lighting applications.

Bayer’s Makrofol® light management polycarbonate film grades (LM228, LM309, and LM905) are translucent materials filled with a light-scattering agent in combination with a surface texture. These properties translate into various combinations of transmission and diffusion in order to meet end users’ light guidance and light reflection needs. Light diffusers for consumer goods and other backlight displays commonly utilize these film grades.

Makrofol LM903 polycarbonate film is a formable, opaque white extruded film that offers the very high light reflection properties needed for LCD and LED backlights and other reflector housing applications.

For more information about these and other materials for the architectural and commercial lighting market, visit Bayer booth #4714F at LFI.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,500 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2012 sales of 11.5 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, social responsibility and respect for the environment.