Bayer MaterialScience (Leverkusen / Germany; www.bayerbms.com), through its Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania / USA facility, has acquired intellectual property relating to the thermoplastic polyurethanes business of former Tier 1 automotive supplier Collins & Aikman (C&A, Troy, Michigan / USA) – see Plasteurope.com of 25.10.2007. C&A was a major developer and supplier of thermoplastic polyurethane systems used on interior surfaces and more recently on instrument panels to make seamless passenger-side airbags.

The technology acquired includes a range of aliphatic TPU grade formulations and size reduction patents, along with related technical knowledge. Bayer was the main supplier of polyurethane raw materials for C&A’s TPU products and expects to continue to supply the slush moulding products to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

The thermoplastic size reduction technology acquired involves so-called micro- and mini-beading processes that provide TPU powder particles with controlled shapes and size distribution that allow superior flow in the mould.