Case study
Bayhydrol® U/UH creates luxurious, low-solvent emission auto interiors
Automotive interiors are becoming increasingly important, as visual appearance has become a dominant influence on a buyer’s perception of vehicle quality. Moreover, the quality feel and finish of an automotive interior have a major impact on a consumer’s buying decision. Decorative films are used in a lot of applications to achieve this objective.
The task in this case was to develop a new coated film technology that combines premium visual appearance with excellent air quality for automotive interiors.
While, on the one hand, interior design and appearance affect the perception of a car as a premium vehicle, it is also a fact that the world is moving towards cleaner and greener technologies. That is why a great interior look and feel must not be at the expense of increasing demands and regulations on air quality inside vehicles.
Building on the range of hydroxy-functional Bayhydrol® U and high molecular weight Bayhydrol® UH polyurethane dispersions from Covestro, the resulting product line combines a superior deep matt appearance and excellent processability in all major forming processes with excellent interior air quality and low solvent emissions. As Dr. Dirk Iben, Head of Lacquer Development at Continental Surface Materials says, “Covestro’s PU dispersions were the toolbox that enabled our innovation process. Having invested early in the development of waterborne coating technology, Continental Surface Materials is now able to offer Xpreshn® films that combine design, processing and quality advantages.” From the beginning, a European premium car OEM has been very interested in this development and decided to incorporate the new Xpreshn® FL into serial production.
Covestro’s PU dispersions were the toolbox that enabled our innovation process. Having invested early in the development of waterborne coating technology, Benecke-Hornschuch Surface Group is now able to offer Xpreshn® films that combine design, processing and quality advantages.
Why Bayhydrol® U/UH was the right solution for Xpreshn® films
- Deep matt appearance: Luxurious surface qualities for automotive interiors.
- Thermoformable: Excellent processability in all major forming operations.
- Sustainable: Lower solvent emissions for excellent interior air quality.
- Lightweight: Up to 40% lighter than PVC-based solutions for better fuel efficiency.
