BASF launches magnetorheological fluids (MRF) under the name Basonetic®

• Electronically tunable power transmission for the automobile and automation industry

• New product based on carbonyl iron powder

BASF is launching magnetorheological fluids (MRF) which will now be available under the brand name Basonetic^®. MRF have a remarkable, adjustable flow behavior that makes them suitable for applications in which power has to be controlled and transmitted on a continuous, variable basis.

The Basonetic^® fluids will be marketed to companies in the automotive and automation industry that develop engine mounts, clutches or shock absorbers as a potential replacement for older technologies.

For example, Basonetic^® fluids can replace expensive valve technology currently used for automobile shock absorbers. It can also be used for electronically adjustable absorbers to reduce vibrations and increase the safety of suspension bridges.

MRF consist of very small iron particles (carbonyl iron powder) that are dispersed in oil. Using an external magnetic field, the flow properties of MRF can be varied from solid to liquid in milliseconds.

Devices using MR technology can be regulated efficiently and offer processors both cost and performance advantages compared to conventional products and processes. They permit shorter reaction times in many applications and a reduction in the number of components.

“With Basonetic^®, we provide MRF that are versatile, safe, and easy to handle, and hardly show any sediment,” says Dr. Christoffer Kieburg, Project Manager in the Business Management Metal Systems at BASF. “With our customers, we can adapt our MRF precisely to their needs and develop new applications together.”

BASF also offers customers comprehensive data on the properties of MRF, along with test method information. BASF has already successfully tested Basonetic^® fluids with customers in applications with high loads, including four wheel drive clutches in automobiles and vibration dampers for suspension bridges.

As a market leader, BASF produces and sells Carbonyl Iron Powder for more than 80 years and continuously develops new and innovative products. Thus, for example, Catamold^®, a powder injection molding for the production of metal and ceramic components, is made from Carbonyl Iron Powder as is Basonetic^®.

Additional information on Basonetic^® fluids is available at www.basonetic.com.

About Inorganics

The Inorganics Division develops and manufactures one of the broadest portfolios of inorganic chemicals, products mainly based on natural gas and metal compounds worldwide. It supplies customers, e.g. from the construction, pharmaceutical, food or wood working industry. Its product portfolio ranges from inorganic basic chemicals such as sulfuric or nitric acids to inorganic salts like ammonium bicarbonate, specialties such as boranes and carbonyl iron powder, glues and impregnating resins, electronic chemicals and fertilizers. The Inorganics Division employs about 3000 people at sites in Europe, Asia and the United States. Further information on the Inorganics Division is available on www.basf.com/inorganics.

About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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