Optimized grade of BASF’s Ultramid® polyamide enables more sustainable painting of automotive parts

• Reduced emission of VOCs without use of primer
• Improved shelf life with dimensional stability and durability
• Application for charging port flap of electric vehicles 

Shanghai, China – June 24, 2022 – BASF has launched Ultramid^® A3EM8 OP, a grade optimized for painting as it provides a class A surface finish and high bonding strength. With the new Ultramid grade, a primer is also not required to enhance bonding with paint.

“As the painting process is simplified with our new Ultramid^® A3EM8 OP grade, production costs are reduced. The process also reduces the emission of VOCs from the primer,” said Desmond Long, Vice President, Business Management Transportation, Performance Materials Asia Pacific.

As Ultramid A3EM8 OP is resistant to high heat up to 180°C, it keeps dimensional stability during the painting process and under various driving conditions. In addition, the material provides good chemical resistance required for automotive exterior parts. Thanks to these properties, it is now applied to the charging port flap of electric vehicles. The new grade’s toughness and stiffness make it highly durable to the broad environmental conditions over its service period.

“We are exploring using this grade on other automotive exterior parts. As plastics offer cost and weight savings compared to metal, our customers want to replace more automotive parts with our high-performance plastics. The new Ultramid^® A3EM8 OP grade will be the additional incentive for them to do so,” added Mr. Long.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information is at www.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 2021, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €7.29 bn. More information: www.plastics.basf.com.