BASF and Thermission introduce innovative technology for long-term corrosion protection

New solution also enhances metal properties

SOUTHFIELD, MI, and NORTHPORT, AL, January 30, 2018 – BASF Automotive Coatings and Thermission AG are bringing a new corrosion protection layering solution to the automotive market. The solution combines Thermission’s Zinc Thermal Diffusion (ZTD) process with BASFs Cathoguard electrodeposition process (E-coat) to provide advanced corrosion protection to structural metal components and to enhance the metal’s physical properties for automotive underbody and structural assemblies.

This process infuses Zinc metal into the surface of a metallic substrate to form a resilient, zinc intermetallic bond that combines both corrosion protection of metals and enhancement of metal physical properties.

“With OEMs continually requiring innovative solutions for lightweight structural under body components, this new layering solution is a game-changer that provides 15 years of corrosion protection over the standard 10 years from E-coat technologies,” said Sean McKeon, BASF Vice President Coatings Solutions, North America.  “We can now provide our customers with a progressive solution for long-lasting corrosion durability.”

“Zinc thermal diffusion is an economical and ecologically viable technology that has been tested as the most modern and effective corrosion protection method for metals and metal products,” said Michael Goepfarth, CEO, Thermission.

Thermission received the Frost & Sullivan 2017 European Technology Innovation award for its Zinc Thermal Diffusion patented technology. Frost and Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed a product with innovative features and functionality gaining rapid acceptance in the market. For more information visit www.thermission.com

About BASFs Coatings division

The Coatings division of BASF is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings, as well as decorative paints. We create advanced performance solutions and drive performance, design and new applications to meet our partners’ needs all over the world. BASF shares skills, knowledge and resources of interdisciplinary and global teams for the benefit of customers by operating a collaborative network of sites in Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific. In 2015, the Coatings division achieved global sales of about €3.2 billion.

In 2016, BASF acquired Chemetall, a leading global supplier of applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries and end markets. With this expansion in portfolio, BASF becomes a more complete solution provider for coatings.

Solutions beyond your imagination – Coatings by BASF. For more information about the Coatings division of BASF and its products, visit www.basf-coatings.com

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 17,500 employees in North America, and had sales of $16.2 billion in 2016. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com.

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 114,000 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 five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of about €58 billion in 2016. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.

About Thermission AG

Founded in 2013 in Schenkon, the Swiss company Thermission has developed zinc thermal diffusion – an innovative process for surface protection. An especially effective and long-lasting corrosion protection is created through gas-phase galvanization. This resilient diffusion layer improves also the material properties of the coated parts and components. Zinc thermal diffusion is employed in sectors such as the automotive, railroad and maritime industries as well as in offshore wind parks. And because the thickness of the coating is negligible, it is extremely suitable for lightweight constructions.

The process is free of chromium VI and is therefore very sustainable and eco-friendly. At the development center opened in 2014 in Thun, Switzerland, Thermission offers thermal diffusion coating services for new applications tailored to customers’ requirements. For larger production volumes, the coating specialist also develops automated thermal diffusion systems that can be seamlessly integrated into a company’s own production facilities. The company operates sales offices in Germany as well as the US, where production is also scheduled to begin in 2018.

P-US-18-012