Düsseldorf, January 15, 2015 - Polyaspartic technology is suitable for the very cost-effective application of coatings to a range of different substrates. In contrast to conventional systems, this technology often requires fewer coating layers and curing takes place quickly. Bayer MaterialScience has now opened the door to other promising possibilities.

At the European Coatings Show from April 21-23, 2015 in Nuremberg, the company is presenting new polyaspartic raw materials for solvent-free coating formulations that can be applied with a roller. What's more, they are so flexible that they can even bridge cracks that have formed in concrete. This property is particularly important for floor coating applications in the outdoor areas of buildings.

"In applications like this, cracks can form over time if the concrete dries out and shrinks, for instance, or if the ground moves," said Karl H. Wührer, Head of Development for structural coatings at Bayer MaterialScience. Without a protective coating, moisture can penetrate the concrete and cause frost damage. Balconies, roof gardens and loggias are also exposed to sunlight and weathering. What's more, they are often subject to significant mechanical stresses. "For that reason, the supporting concrete substrate needs to have a lightfast, resistant coating that prevents moisture from entering the material," explained Wührer.

New hardener for flexible floor coatings
To meet all these requirements, Bayer MaterialScience has developed and submitted a patent application for a new hardener with very low viscosity. Among other things, this hardener can be used for the formulation of flexible, solvent-free floor coatings that are suitable for outdoor applications, comfort flooring and sports flooring.

Thanks to the rapid curing process, several layers of such polyaspartic coatings can be applied in a single day, using standard equipment. The coating is applied at room temperature, and the surface can be walked on again after just a few hours. This minimizes downtime on construction sites and saves money.

As required for all systems for use in construction applications, these floor coatings also fulfill the existing Decopaint and VOC regulations. In addition, there are also national regulations; in Germany, these include the evaluation system for VOC emissions specified by the AgBB (Committee for Health-Related Evaluation of Building Products).

Polyaspartic coatings have also proved their usefulness in protecting wind turbines, bridges, industrial plants, and agricultural and construction machinery against corrosion, and as automotive repair coatings. They are also being used as floor coatings, although there is still some work to be done in terms of their application and cost-effectiveness. The new polyaspartic raw materials expand the range of available options and boast unique properties that offer many advantages over other systems.

About Bayer MaterialScience:
With 2013 sales of EUR 11.2 billion, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world's largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and the sports and leisure industries. At the end of 2013, Bayer MaterialScience had 30 production sites and employed approximately 14,300 people around the globe. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company.

This news release is available for download from the Bayer MaterialScience press server at www.press.bayerbms.com.

Find more information at www.materialscience.bayer.com.

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