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BASF Corp. (Wyandotte, MI, US) is featuring new carbon fibers for thermoplastics, short carbon fibers for lightweighting and natural fiber solutions for automotive use. A team of BASF experts is emphasizing the advantages of thermoplastic solutions, including improved cycle time, recyclability and improved shelf life. Displays feature a sustainable, lightweight composite pallet from Lightning Technologies, the all-composite, lightweight load floor in Wabash National trailers, as well as 3D printing technology from Essentium Materials that highlights its partnership with BASF. Products on display demonstrate the challenge of accurately predicting part performance using a highly anisotropic material.

BASF’s Ultrasim provides a solution to enable users to model customer applications, and accurately predict final part performance, including the influence of flow-induced anisotropy. Innovations for light-weighting using natural fiber composites, such as BASF’s Acrodur binder, lends adhesive and strengthening properties to natural fibers, resulting in an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. These composites are also used in furniture and industrial design products, with kenaf, bamboo and wood fibers. BASF’s booth also features continuous fiber-reinforced tapes and fabric-reinforced laminates for aerospace applications. Booth U43.