Automobile exterior applications are a major focus of engineering plastics research at BASF AG (HQ: D-67056 Ludwigshafen). A new 50% glass fibre-reinforced PBT ("Ultradur B 4040 G10") allows production of components requiring high surface quality as well as extreme stiffness and ridgidity for severe mechanical loads, the group said at a recent press conference. Another new product to emerge from Ludwigshafen R&D is "Ultradur S", a blend of PBT and ASA copolymer. Compared with other PBT types without the ASA component, this amorphous material is said to be distinguished by "extremely low warpage." Both materials are designed for use in windscreen wiper systems, door mirrors and headlamp housings.

An electrically conductive POM ("Ultraform") has been designed for auto parts that need to be protected from electrostatic charges or heated in winter. Envisaged uses are in fuel tanks, as well as heatable washer nozzles for windscreens and headlamps, heated door mirrors and parts for heating door handles and door locks. For electrical applications, BASF has developed halogen-free flameproofed PBT ("Ultradur") types for light switch frames and electrical sockets, as well as flame-retarded PA ("Ultramid") grades for industrial equipment switches.

READER SERVICE: Press conference speeches in English (with photos and charts) by BASF's applied technology executives Dr. Herbert Fisch, "New glass fiber reinforced Ultradur Grades"; Walter Rau, "New applications for the new Ultradur": PIE-No. 40271 – Michael Nam, "Trends in applicational development in electrical engineering"; Dr. Christopher Plachetta, "Electroconductive Ultraform": PIE-No. 40272.