New Neopolen^® grade with improved surface properties and optimized filling behavior

• Polypropylene foam Neopolen^® P 9235+ for components with a high-quality look to be used in the automotive industry and in building technology

BASF further extends the product range of its expanded polypropylene foam (EPP) Neopolen^®. Compared to the available grades, the new material Neopolen^® P 9235+ offers improved surface properties, a color impression deepened by 20% and optimized filling behavior in manufacturing. Parts made of Neopolen^® P 9235+ generate considerably less friction noise. The black particle foam is suitable for automotive parts and dunnage trays subject to impact stress as well as for constructive and protective applications in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Neopolen^® P 9235+ is listed in the automotive industry’s material data system IMDS and available in Europe from now on. The new standard grade will gradually replace the well-established Neopolen^® P 9235 and is to evolve into a new product family including specialty grades in the medium term.

Neopolen^® P 9235+ enables high-quality, smooth surfaces which is an advantage for visible components such as trunk liners in cars. The improved color depth by 20% was proven in tests: the special laboratory unit simulates human color perception according to the CIE 1931 color system (CIE: French for: International Commission on Illumination) and thus offers an objective and verifiable color result. Further applications of the new particle foam grade include automotive parts such as bumper cores, headrests and armrests. It also serves as housing insulation for heat exchangers and heating units.

Neopolen^® P 9235+ shows the well-established properties of the Neopolen^® family. It is characterized by high energy absorption and low weight, good resilience following static and dynamic loading and an essentially unchanged energy absorption after repeated impact load. The new grade is resistant to chemicals and oils, thermally insulating and has a low water uptake. The foam particles are available as packaged goods or as loose bulk.

About Neopolen^®

Neopolen^® is a recyclable polypropylene foam (EPP) consisting of expanded, mainly closed-cell foam particles free from chemical blowing agents. Converters foam the beads into form parts with high freedom in design and geometry for the use in various industries. A molded density between 20 and 110 kg/m³ can be achieved with the standard product range. The foam beads are manufactured and processed in an eco-friendly way without CFCs. Components made of Neopolen^® can be reused in a variety of ways.

Further information: www.neopolen.basf.com

About BASF’s Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division encompasses the entire materials’ know-how of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof. Globally active in four major industry sectors – transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods – the division has a strong portfolio of products and services combined with deep understanding of application-oriented system solutions. Key drivers of profitability and growth are our close collaboration with customers and a clear focus on solutions. Strong capabilities in R&D provide the basis to develop innovative products and applications. In 2019, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €6.06 bn. More information online: www.plastics.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 117,000 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 six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2019. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

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