Bayer MaterialScience at InnoTrans 2014 in Berlin

In many countries, rail passenger transport is increasing. Rail vehicles require less energy per passenger than cars, trucks and planes, emit less CO₂ and help prevent road congestion. They also offer a high level of comfort. It therefore comes as no surprise that the rail networks in a number of countries are being further expanded, and the demand for modern rail vehicles is growing. Polycarbonate, the high-performance plastic from Bayer MaterialScience, is a great help in this respect.

The company collaborates with manufacturers of railroad, subway and trolley cars who combine colorful design and attractive surfaces with cost-efficient technology and responsible environmental management when it comes to interior design. At the InnoTrans trade show from September 23 to 26, 2014, in Berlin, Germany, the company will be exhibiting a wide range of Makrolon® and Bayblend® polycarbonate granules and sheets at Stand 102 in Hall 5.1.

Polycarbonate sheets for Chinese subway
One example is the new Line 1 subway in the Chinese development zone of Souzhou. China South Railway, China’s leading public transport manufacturer, is using Bayblend® and Makrolon® polycarbonate sheets for the interior of the subway cars. And with good reason. The flame-retardant products not only ensure exceptional passenger safety, they are also lightweight and robust. The two companies collaborated closely during all phases of the project - from material selection all the way through to manufacture. Bayer also helped its Chinese partner optimize the production processes.

"We are working with a large number of other customers besides China South Railway to develop tailored solutions for typical rail applications," said Wim van Eynde, who manages a global project for rail transportation at Bayer MaterialScience. "As a result of these contacts with partners along the entire rail value-added chain, we have gained extensive knowledge of global market requirements. This also enables us to meet special country-specific specifications and requests."

Trendsetting interior design
Polycarbonate granules and sheets from Bayer are extremely robust and can even stand up to vandalism. Their flame retardance meets the requirements of the new EN 45545-2 European fire protection standard for many applications, and the use of these products ensures a high level of safety for passengers. Unique design freedom is another benefit, with virtually no restrictions in terms of shaping, color selection or surface structure. This benefits rail operators looking to give their rail vehicles a distinctive appearance. The plastic components are available in a variety of reproducible colors and retain their dimensional stability over a wide temperature range. Their light weight helps reduce both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

These developments are very much in keeping with Bayer MaterialScience’s integrated sustainability concept. They improve people’s lives, have less of an impact on the environment, conserve resources and create value for society.

The eco-friendly and efficient extrusion technologies that Bayer uses to manufacture polycarbonate sheets minimize emissions and other environmental effects. The manufacturing processes also boost productivity thanks to their shorter cycle times. The products are durable and can be recycled on reaching the end of their useful lives.

Source: Bayer MaterialScience