Leverkusen, June 2014 - "Brazuca" is the term Brazilians use to describe a positive attitude towards life. One thing that certainly is essential to this sense of national pride is playing soccer! So "Brazuca" is an apt name for the new, official match ball that will roll across the field at the World Cup games in the South American country. The colorful product from sporting goods manufacturer adidas is based on specialty plastics that help provide a perfect shape, top quality and outstanding properties.

Over 600 professional players have intensively tested the ball - a new record for adidas. Everyone is pleased with the result: Ball control has been improved, and the "Brazuca" is even more stable and rounder than its predecessors. Furthermore, the surface now comprises just six panels, all absolutely symmetrical. Previously, 12, 16 or even 32 panels were typical. But the fewer elements that make up a ball, the better it can be controlled.

High-tech in the cover

The good condition of the "Brazuca" is due in part to the know-how and a series of specialty materials from Bayer MaterialScience. The ball's cover is made of five layers of plastic containing polymeric materials from the Leverkusen-based company. These polyurethane layers are why, for instance, the ball returns to its original shape after a kick. They also make the surface durable and elastic.

The "Brazuca" can be used in any weather because it is virtually watertight. The individual panels of the colorful cover are bonded in a special process. The adhesive itself is based on a waterborne polyurethane dispersion from Bayer MaterialScience.

Bayer MaterialScience has extensive experience in material development for soccer balls, with its partnership with adidas dates back to 1986. The two companies last joined forces two years ago to create "Tango 12," the match ball of the European Championship. adidas has produced the official match ball of the World Cup since 1970, and that isn't going to change any time soon. The existing agreement with the FIFA was recently extended to run until 2030. And Bayer MaterialScience is happy to play along again.

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. Photos are available there for download as well. Please mind the source of the pictures.

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

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