BASF binder helps produce worldwide first automobile roof frame made of natural fiber
- Tough and heat-resistant lightweight components made possible by BASF's water-based Acrodur® 950 L binder
- First use of the IAC FiberFrame roof system based on Acrodur® 950 L in the new E-class of Mercedes-Benz
Together with the International Automotive Components Group (IAC), a global leading supplier to the automobile industry, BASF has developed the worldwide first roof frame for cars that is entirely made of natural fiber. The Acrodur® 950 L binder by BASF ensures the necessary loading capacity and heat resistance of the lightweight component. As an alternative to phenolic resins, the water-based and low-emission binder strengthens the natural fibers and thus enables an environmentally compatible, dimensionally stable and, above all, lightweight solution for car roof frames.
The IAC FiberFrame lightweight component is used for the first time in the new E-class of Mercedes-Benz. Cars fitted with the roof frame have been available from dealers in Europe since the beginning of April 2016.
Reduced fuel consumption through lighter roof frames
“Natural-fiber roof frames based on Acrodur 950 L are around 40 percent lighter than roof frames made from metal. Hence, we help car makers achieve their sustainability targets because lighter vehicles consume less fuel and have lower carbon emissions,” explains Thorsten Habeck, Head of Marketing for Dispersions for Fiber Bonding at BASF.
IAC, one of the worldwide leading manufacturers of car interior systems, has developed the innovative lightweight concept and produces the roof frame based on Acrodur 950 L. “It was easy to integrate the BASF binder into our production system. The natural fiber components that are strengthened with Acrodur are ideal to mold; they are environmentally friendly and save time during the production of the composites,” says Fritz Schweindl, Director Advanced Engineering at IAC, adding “Furthermore, the product is low in emissions, which means that it is safer to work with.”
Acrodur binders ideal for high-quality lightweight applications in the furniture and automotive industry
Acrodur binders are used to strengthen natural fiber mats that are further processed into molded parts. Not only is Acrodur environmentally compatible, it also ensures the simple and unproblematic processing, assembly and molding of semi-finished products as well as properties perfectly fitting to the material. The binders are used for the production of high-quality lightweight applications in the furniture and automotive industry.
About BASF‘s Dispersions & Pigments division
The Dispersions & Pigments division of BASF develops, produces and markets a range of high-quality pigments, resins, additives and polymer dispersions worldwide. These raw materials are used in formulations for coatings and paints, printing and packaging products, construction chemicals, adhesives, fiber bondings, plastics, paper as well as for electronic applications such as displays. With its comprehensive product portfolio and its extensive knowledge of the industry, the Dispersions & Pigments division offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions and helps them advance their formulations. For further information about the Dispersions & Pigments division, please visit www.dispersions-pigments.basf.com.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information at www.basf.com.
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