New issue of the COATINGS PARTNER customer magazine		07/07/2009

Close hauled: Coatings for rotor blades

Münster. Want to know what police car would make even Michael Knight, the famous “Knight Rider” TV figure, weak in the knees? Or find out how one of IKEA’s most popular chest of drawers gets its color accents? Or learn why car bodies take a dip before they are sent through the paint line? The latest issue of BASF Coatings’ customer magazine answers these and a whole range of other exciting questions with 40 pages of stories and reports on partnerships, innovative products and new markets.

Wind energy is a promising and environmentally friendly electricity source for the future. Experts predict that the percentage of the world’s wind-generated energy will triple by 2013. In an interview with COATINGSPARTNER, Per Krogsgaard, an expert on the wind energy market, reports that markets in China and the United States are expected to see the most growth. With RELIUS and its special solvent-free coatings for rotor blades, BASF Coatings is a partner for major blade manufacturers throughout the world. Thanks to the high-tech coating, the blades can withstand UV radiation, wind and saltwater over a period of decades.

Extremely scratch-resistant clearcoat

Innovative products such as the new, extremely scratch-resistant clearcoat iGloss offer additional potential for growth. The clearcoat not only provides auto bodies with a brilliant and robust exterior, but also gives them even longer-lasting scratch resistance. To achieve this leap forward, the researchers modeled their work on nature, developing a “hybrid material” that combines the advantages of “hard” materials and “soft” substances. Over time, iGloss provides substantially better protection against micro-scratches.

Partnerships around the globe

Strong, reliable partnerships are indispensable, especially in times of economic uncertainty. In the new issue of COATINGSPARTNER, BASF Coatings presents its work with the Indian carmaker Tata. For instance, BASF supported Tata in the construction of India’s largest cathodic e-coating line in Uttaranchal and, as an important paint supplier, has been approved by Tata Motors to supply some colors for the Tata Nano.

BASF Coatings has significantly stepped up its commitment in the Middle East region. For over 30 years, the paint manufacturer has sold automotive refinishing products in the region via various importers. In addition, the construction industry in this region trusts coil coatings from BASF for the protection of facades.

COATINGSPARTNER targets customers, business partners and the interested public. Copies in German and English can be ordered or downloaded at www.coatingspartner.com.