FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY — BASF SE is using polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), which is normally used to manufacture high-end electronics, in a food consumer packaging product.
It unveiled the grade, which was optimized for the production of airtight coffee capsules that retain aroma, at the Fakuma show, with first prototypes of the product.
The coffee capsules, designed for Coffee Capsules Solution (CCS GMbH), an independent Munich-based supplier, will be sold by a big retail discounter at the end of November in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
BASF's engineering plastic Ultradur B1520 FC combines good barrier properties against moisture and oxygen, while containing aromas, without a need for any additional complex coatings.
BASF says this distinguishes its Ultradur capsules from other injection molded capsules, which are usually packaged individually, as well as from multilayered thermoset capsules.
Ultradur B1520 FC, with its food-contact certification, is also suitable for thin-walled injection molded packaging for cosmetics and food products.
The PBT is now available in commercial quantities in six different colors in suitable masterbatches created by BASF Color Solutions.
On the automotive front, BASF presented a new TPU grade Elastollan AC 55D10 HPM (High Performance Material) for cladding the Citroën C4 Cactus with so-called Airbumps. The project is the culmination of many years of development work between the French automotive manufacturer, the supplier Rehau of Switzerland and BASF.
Airbumps are large air-filled cushion bumpers in contrasting colors. They are fitted on the sides as well as on the front and rear of the vehicle, protect the car exterior from impact and scratches and give the vehicle its distinctive look.
Two innovative components from the BMW i3, the electric vehicle from the BMW AG, are also presented on the BASF stand.
The front seat with an injection molded and unpainted structural seat component backrest is made of nylon that has a visible surface. The hybrid component weighs only 2 kilograms. The backrest is made of a UV-stable nylon 6 compound Ultramid B3ZG8 UV, specially developed by BASF, for applications of this type.
The second BMW i3 product on display is a large integral component made of Ultradur B4040 G6, which keeps the two body shells apart. The PBT material is dimensionally stable independent of the ambient climate and provides the necessary buckling resistance.