Bayer MaterialScience LLC (Pittsburgh, PA) has acquired automotive supplier Collins & Aikman’s (C&A; Southfield, MI) thermoplastic urethane (TPU) intellectual property, including various TPU formulation and size-reduction patents, along with related technical knowledge. Bayer had supplied C&A with the intermediate raw materials for its TPU products. The company will pair this intellectual property with existing patents on TPU slush molding to solidify its position as a material-system supplier for automotive interiors. Bayer says a number of OEMs, including GM, Ford, Chrysler, and various Asian transplants, utilize TPU for seamless passenger-side airbag instrument panels. TPU’s low-temperature ductility is key for applications that are tested to -30°C. An aliphatic TPU is typically used, due to its inherent UV resistance and the fact that it doesn’t require post-mold painting or inmold coating.—[email protected]
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