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BASF celebrates the 40th birthday of Basotect^®, the world’s first melamine resin foam. It was introduced into the market in 1984 as a flame-retardant alternative to conventional foams used for sound proofing and thermal insulation in construction. Since then, customers have come to appreciate Basotect^® for its high performance and versatility: It is available in eight grades for different applications, amongst them the famous cleaning sponge, which simply rubs off the dirt without the help of cleaning agents. The thermoset foam is a symbol of BASF’s innovative power in the foams business unlocking its potential for industries as diverse as construction, automotive, public transport, cleaning, aerospace and renewable energies with a focus on safety and energy efficiency.

For next-generation power electronics, BASF has developed a polyphthalamide (PPA) that is especially suited for manufacturing housings of IGBT (insulated-gate bipolar transistor) semi-conductors. Ultramid^® Advanced N3U41 G6 addresses the growing demand for high-performance, reliable electronic components for e.g., electric vehicles, high-speed trains, smart manufacturing and the generation of renewable energy. Semikron Danfoss, a global technology leader in power electronics, now uses the BASF PPA as housing in its Semitrans 10 IGBT which can be installed in inverters of photovoltaic and wind energy systems. Due to its outstanding chemical resistance and dimensional stability, the Ultramid^® Advanced N grade enhances the robustness, long-term performance and reliability of these IGBTs.

BASF launches a new ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane: Elastollan^® 1400. The new TPU series provides exceptional hydrolysis and microbe resistance and combines stable processing behavior with good compression set properties. The material delivers outstanding burst pressure performance and can be processed by extrusion and injection molding. The aging stability of Elastollan^® 1400 ensures long-lasting performance – a versatile option for a wide range of applications.

Efficient electrolyzers are key in advancing the green hydrogen economy. For the development of larger, more efficient and durable electrolyzers, BASF offers a unique partnership to the energy sector: a tailored portfolio of polyarylethersulfones (PSU, PESU, PPSU) for components in water electrolyzers used for producing green hydrogen – combined with application know-how and reliable local technical support for part design. Backed by BASF’s deep understanding of complex injection-molding applications and membrane casting, BASF helps customers in upscaling electrolyzer technology, thus pushing the transformation to clean energy. BASF’s portfolio for electrolyzer parts includes Ultrason^® grades for frames, gaskets and separator membranes. This can be experienced first-hand at the BASF booth at Fakuma 2024, Germany where an electrolyzer frame sample will be exhibited.

The transformation has only just begun – now it is time to embark at #ourplasticsjourney and make the lifecycle of plastics more sustainable. Latest developments will be shown at Fakuma from 15 to 19 October 2024 in Friedrichshafen, Germany: Hall B4, booth B4-4303.