BASF information 2016 October, 2016
Cover story Performance materials changing the world Features Colorful cars start from green
Eva von Traitteur (left), Head of BASF Design Center Asia Pacific in Shanghai, and Jimmy Jin from Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF were discussing about the lightweight, solar-powered “e-floater”, 80% of which is made of BASF composite materials and plastics. Foreword
Contents Foreword
01 Foreword I am very glad to welcome you to BASF Information.
02 Figures Advanced materials have taken on a greater significance since their introduction and have fully demonstrated people's imagination and creativity. This issue's cover story 04 News reveals how performance materials are changing the world, and guides you to explore their innovative applications in Cover story urban life, experiencing how they promote product design, Performance materials: a magician changing the world 08 reform industrial processes and bring all possibilities for 12 When classic inventions meet modern materials modern life and work. Appropriate materials make 14 Polyamide-6 powder opens a new era in 3D printing 08 products cost-effective, energy-saving, safe, user- 16 Design drives innovation Relevant sustainable contribution is BASF’s optimization friendly and nice looking. 19 Lightweight transport of the coating process, responsible for various colors on cars, which is one of the most energy- and resource- Feature intensive processes in industrial automotive manufacturing. 20 Colorful cars start from green Colorful cars start from green will introduce how BASF, 23 Precision agriculture in the digital era through the R&D of eco-friendly automotive coatings and the optimization of the coating processes, helps automotive 26 Sustainable materials for innovative buildings manufacturers reduce production costs. This is achieved through the improved energy consumption of paint shops, Column production efficiency and tackling the severe challenges of NAO: accelerating open innovation 28 balancing economic effectiveness and ecological efficiency. through successful science collaboration 30 Roots Operators: fostering the best apprentice Improving the energy efficiency of constructions is also Building materials play 32 Promoting Responsible Care in China critical to the environment and climate. The second phase a vital role in increasing 26 34 Dark horses in the laboratory of the BASF Innovation Campus Asia Pacific (Shanghai), energy efficiency and promoting urban sustainable inaugurated last year, is energy-saving and eco-friendly, development. Science around us creating an ecologically pleasant, safe and comfortable 36 Flat screens show their true colors working environment. Sustainable materials for innovative buildings introduces the secrets behind this sustainable building – the cutting-edge construction Interaction materials and solutions by BASF. 38 Explore the wonders of chemistry without leaving home
This is just a glimpse of BASF's practices in materials and innovation. Over the past 150 years, BASF has collaborated closely with stakeholders to help them cope with challenges through chemical innovation. In future, we will continue to write a new chapter in innovation and cooperation with you, A good pigment has a partners and customers. 36 significant impact on the brilliance of the colors the viewer sees on LCDs. Sincerely,
Dr. Stephan Kothrade President Functions Asia Pacific, BASF President and Chairman Greater China, BASF
BASF information 1 Figures
Resources, environment and climate
0.1 millimeter The entire paint system of a car, at 0.1 millimeter, consists 5 times Ucrete® flooring system lasts for at least 20 of four layers, which can only be completed after a four- years, over 5 times that of the traditional World step process, which has very high requirements on the 9.6 billion solution. The maintenance cost and the total space of the paint shop and energy consumption. Today, more than 7 billion people are living on this planet. By 2050, cost, therefore, is significantly lowered. See Colorful cars start from green on page 20 the total number is estimated to reach 9.6 billion. in See Precision agriculture in the digital era on page 23
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Resources, environment and climate Resources, environment and climate
360° Food and nutrition 1/3 At the Tiexi plant of BMW Brilliance, where Thanks to the Integrated Process, energy the Integrated Process developed by BASF is 27 times and water consumption, volatile organic adopted, the original four-step coating process compounds (VOC) emission and wastewater Farmers who choose to use is streamlined to three steps. The paint shop discharge at the Tiexi plant of BMW BASF’s management solution for maximizes the utilization of e-coat by turning Brilliance were one-third of the average of their grapes have a high return on 360°, helping to save more space and is energy- 10 years ago. invested capital, earning 27 times saving and eco-friendly. the outlay.
. $ 135 billion It is estimated that the value of global flat screen market will be 135 38% billion US dollars for 2020. A market report shows that selective laser sintering (SLS) See Flat screens show their true colors on page 36 is the top 3D printing technology (38%) in 2016. See Polyamide-6 powder opens a new era in 3D printing on page 14 Quality of life 1.1 liters Elastopave®, a polyurethane binder system yielding air- and water-permeable surfaces, Innovation absorbs an estimated 1.1 liters of water Quality of life (equal to almost 2 bottled water) per second 1 week per square meter given suitably absorbent 16.7 million Enabled by the new polyamide-6 powder ground, thus to prevent water build-up. developed by BASF and SLS co-developed 16.7 million colors are required with its partner companies, Pan Asia Technical for high-quality image with true Automotive Center (PATAC) makes it possible to color depth. complete the process from 3D printing to testing and adjustment within one week, significantly shortening the development cycle of the key components.
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BASF breaks ground on new automotive coatings plant in Shanghai
BASF Shanghai Coatings Co., Ltd. broke ground on a new, world-scale automotive coatings plant at the company’s Shanghai Chemical Industry Park in Caojing in June, 2016. The new plant represents an investment of about €140 million and is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2017.
As the latest investment of the joint venture between BASF and Shanghai Huayi Fine Chemical Co., Ltd, the plant is an expansion of the automotive coatings plant, which began production in 2014. The expanded production capacity will support the growing demand for automotive coatings in China.
BASF starts MDI production in Chongqing In addition to this new plant, BASF operates a production facility for resins and electrocoat at the same location. The In August 2015, BASF started production of diphenylmethane close proximity of the plants allows for more synergies and diisocyanate (MDI) at its wholly-owned site in Chongqing, China. The efficiency. All BASF plants are designed in a high energy production will be increased gradually in line with market demand. efficient and sustainable manner, offering the potential for MDI production will support key industries in the country’s western future expansion and the flexibility to adapt to new production areas. requirements in the years ahead.
This MDI site covers an area of more than 50 hectares and includes BASF invests in Xinjiang with a local private enterprise facilities for 400,000 metric tons per year of Mononitrobenzene, 300,000 metric tons per year of aniline, 400,000 metric tons per year In 2016, BASF and Xinjiang Markor Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. inaugurated a new butanediol (BDO) plant (with an annual of crude MDI, and a MDI splitter with a capacity of 400,000 metric capacity of 100,000 tons) and a new PolyTHF® (polytetrahydrofuran) plant (with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons) in tons per year. The total investment of the MDI project is RMB 8 billion Korla, Xinjiang, to deliver commercial products to local customers. The two projects mark BASF's first investment in the (approx. €860 million). western autonomous region with a local private enterprise.
MDI is an important component for polyurethanes – an extremely In 2015, BASF signed a strategic partnership agreement with Markor International Home Furnishings Co., Ltd. to drive versatile plastics material that contributes towards improved innovation and the incubation of new technologies and materials, as well as exploring their end applications especially for insulation for appliances and reefer containers, provides lighter and the home furnishings industry. Under the agreement, BASF and Markor will build an innovation platform to explore more more modern materials for cars, and helps save energy in buildings. forward-looking business areas, such as nanomaterials, 3D printing materials as well as carbon fiber and smart materials.
BASF and Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city explore sustainable BASF inaugurates China’s first world-scale isononanol (INA) plant in urbanization solutions Maoming
In 2015, BASF and Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city signed In October 2015, a world-scale isononanol (INA) plant was inaugurated in agreements to jointly develop the world’s tallest certified passive the Maoming Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone in Maoming. This is the house, facilitate sustainable construction, improve air quality and first INA plant in China and will be run by BASF MPCC Company Limited drive water recycling in Tianjin. The agreements are to make the city (BMC) as a 50-50 joint venture between BASF and China Petroleum & a better and more sustainable place to live, setting an example of Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC), marking yet another milestone in BASF sustainable urbanization in China. and SINOPEC’s long-term partnership. With an annual capacity of 180,000 metric tons of INA, the plant will serve the growing demand for next- The partners are collaborating to promote the potential and the generation plasticizers. economic viability of the Passive House concept in China. In addition, they will explore cooperation in solutions in water reservation and INA is used for the production of diisononyl phthalate (DINP), a high recycling as well as clean air, helping to make Tianjin a “sponge city” molecular weight phthalate plasticizer. High molecular weight phthalate by realizing the full potential of rain water to reduce the risk of urban plasticizers such as DINP are used to gradually substitute low molecular flooding, and lessening the urban heat island effect. In the area of weight phthalate plasticizers. DINP is widely used as a plasticizer in water treatment, BASF’s ultrafiltration technology with nanoscale industrial applications such as automotive, wires and cables, flooring, membranes yields consistently high-quality drinking water. building and construction.
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World’s first all-black racing yacht debuts with Many BASF products featured in construction Paliogen® and Sicopal® functional pigments by of world’s longest rail tunnel BASF After nearly 20 years of construction, the Gotthard The new racing yacht of fashion house Hugo Boss, Base Tunnel in Switzerland was officially opened in the first entirely black IMOCA 60 racing yacht in the June 2016. Construction chemical products from world, was launched in September 2015. This was BASF helped make the construction of the world’s made possible by painting the deck with a coating longest rail tunnel possible. developed by BASF, which is based on the functional pigments with heat-reflecting properties made by the The 57-kilometer Gotthard Base Tunnel was built company. Surfaces painted in dark colors can remain with about four million metric tons of concrete – significantly cooler on hot days as they reflect most of roughly 40 times as much as was used in Dubai’s the sunlight rather than absorb heat. Burj Khalifa tower, the world’s highest building. BASF supplied concrete admixtures, cement BASF is now the official partner of the offshore yacht injections to stop water ingress, and fire-protection racing team Alex Thomson Racing, who sails this mortar for the tunnel construction project, helping all-black Hugo Boss racing yacht. BASF and Alex customers to master the extreme challenges and Thomson Racing will work together on the marketing ensuring the greater safety of the project. of the pigments and the development of new design concepts.
Elastopave® supports Hangzhou in becoming a “sponge city” Basotect® reduces noise in modern, high speed elevators Elastopave®, a polyurethane binder system yielding air- and water- permeable surfaces, has been installed on Moganshan Road along Basotect® melamine foam, which is widely known as Hangzhou’s famous West Lake. The project is a role model for the a lightweight acoustic insulation material in automotive city to support its hosting of the G20 meetings in implementing the and interior construction applications, is expanding 2030 agenda for sustainable development and to prepare for the its application range into the acoustic treatment of 2022 Asian Games. elevators. As one of the municipal key projects for the city in 2016, the In a recent project with ThyssenKrupp Elevator and application helps Hangzhou transform itself into a “sponge city” and ® National Elevator Cab and Door, Basotect was used BASF technology used in first Chinese light fulfill its goal to develop modern infrastructure in at least 20 percent to reduce the noise levels in the elevator cabins of a duty diesel commercial vehicle to meet Euro 6 of its urban areas by 2020 to prevent flooding from heavy rainfall. high-rise building in New York City. Despite the high standard speed of the elevators (up to 37 km an hour), the noise level inside the cabin was lower than 50dB, The 2018 model SAIC Maxus V80 commercial vehicle quieter than a conversation between two people. aimed at the export market is using BASF’s innovative light duty diesel (LDD) emission catalysts. It is the ® With its fine and open cell structure, Basotect not first LDD commercial vehicle developed in China that only gives high sound absorption capacity, but also meets Euro 6 emissions standards. BASF supports BASF advances science and awareness of Omega-3 in China meets other design criteria such as lightweight, fire SAIC Maxus with local technology development in resistance and thermally insulating. China, creating new market opportunities in Europe. BASF held a seminar entitled “Omega-3s for Every Life Stage” in Shanghai, bringing more extensive knowledge on the health benefits BASF is providing SAIC Maxus with an advanced of Omega-3 to the Chinese food, beverage and supplement market. EMPRO™ emissions catalyst system, including: Renowned experts revealed insights and findings, highlighting Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Catalyzed Soot Omega-3 formulations for targeted health solutions including Filter (CSF), Copper Chabazite Selective Catalytic cardiovascular health, cognitive function and the first 1,000 days of Reduction (SCR) Catalyst and Ammonia Oxidation life that enable customers to deliver the right nutrition to the right (AMX) Catalyst. people at the right time.
BASF works closely with automotive manufacturers BASF has received approval from China’s National Health and Family to develop leading-edge technologies that can Planning Commission to use its high concentrate Omega-3 in supplements meet their needs for high performance and cost and functional foods. This brings new opportunities for tailored health effectiveness, helping OEMs comply with ever- solutions and enhanced compliance through smaller capsule size. tightening environmental regulations around the world.
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Performance materials: a magician changing the world
How does plastics arouse the passion in people? How can plastics change people's lives and begin an imaginative era?
The photo was taken in Shanghai, China.
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n 1912, BASF set up the first materials Cool materials create magic in sport in Shanghai’s Minhang district has become bracket instead of traditional aluminum, composites provide a perfect auxiliary testing laboratory in the chemical In March 2016, the adidas NMD sneakers one of the first educational institutions in the reducing the part’s weight by 50%. The frame system for energy-efficient windows Iindustry. It was the precursor for started a worldwide craze. The shoe’s city to offer safe plastic flooring since the gearbox beam bracket, as a structure directly and doors for its outstanding low thermal materials engineering today, to solve the biggest highlight is the midsole that uses introduction of the industry standard. connecting the engine and gearbox, needs to conductivity while enhancing their mechanical growing materials-related problems and the BASF's revolutionary material Infinergy®, bear a greater load. Gearbox beam brackets properties, guaranteeing long service life for associated safety issues. the world's first expanded thermoplastic Lightweight for safe and eco-friendly of good quality can help improve a vehicle's its excellent corrosion and aging resistance. polyurethane (E-TPU). In the 1970s, BASF and Porsche co- robustness and provide support for the power Since the 1950s, BASF has been in an developed plastic (polyamide-based) and torque output of the engine gearbox unit. These days how to create a "sponge city", era of product innovation with plastics. Infinergy® is made of expanded thermoplastic intake manifolds, which broke through with strong water absorption capacity, has Plastics, a collective term of a wide range of polyurethane (E-TPU), which is manufactured the bottleneck of industrial development. In addition to reducing weight, the plastic become a major challenge for urban life. polymers, can be modified to demonstrate by foaming the starting material, TPU The intake manifold, located between the gearbox beam bracket significantly lowers excellent physical and chemical properties granules. After pretreatment with pressure vehicle's throttle valve and the engine's intake driving noise, improves crash safety, and BASF Elastopave®, a polyurethane binder over conventional materials. These include and heat, the individual granules, measuring valve, distributes the air and fuel mixture to enhances safe driving performance. Not long system mixed with gravel or stones and superior strength, hardness and heat, up to five millimeters each, are blown up like each cylinder inlet. after the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo 550i yielding air- and water-permeable pavements, “How do we abrasion and corrosion resistance. popcorn and their volume increases tenfold was put into production, the gearbox beam provides a solution for future cities to prevent to produce oval foam beads with tiny, closed The reason for the use of plastic intake bracket manufactured with BASF's ultra-high water build-up. Compared to concrete or meet customer Such plastics are called "performance gas bubbles inside. manifolds is that metal manifolds have a strength polyamide was awarded the Gold tar, the high proportion of large and small requirements materials". They have found extensive complex forming process. It is difficult to Innovation Award by AVK. stone pieces creates interconnected cavities. through the use of applications in the transportation, Therefore, sneakers using Infinergy® are not process large hollow parts of such a complex This feature facilitates water-permeability of construction, industrial production and only lightweight, but can effectively absorb shape using general technology; semi- In the aviation field, the combination of the roads and public spaces. Its porous structure existing materials, application, and consumer goods sectors. the impact on feet when jogging. In addition, finished metal products have a low yield innovative Ultrason® carbon fiber panels and can achieve sustainable management of development of They have become indispensable for the high-rebound effect of Infinergy® can and high machining costs. However, plastic the Ultrason® honeycomb panels produces a rainwater, and absorb up to 1.1 liters of water new products industrial production and everyday life and provide much energy to bring a unique and intake manifolds may be integrally molded, synergistic effect and can replace traditional per second per square meter given suitably are quietly but magically changing the world. comfortable experience to runners. have a high yield and reduce the overall cost metal materials. They not only make aircraft's absorbent ground. and application by 20-35% on the premise that the process structural components lighter, but also development know- Styropor®, a foamed polystyrene, was only As more and more people have learned is workable. In addition, plastic manifolds guarantee reliable structural strength and From ordinary to magic how is something used for wire insulation and lifebuoys when about Infinergy®'s uniqueness, its range are 40-60% lighter than metal manifolds and bring natural flame retardant properties while Innovations based on chemistry require it was first produced by BASF in 1951. Its of applications continues to grow. For can dramatically reduce vehicle weight, fuel meeting strict technical specifications. market-oriented research and development we always take into breakthrough as an insulation material only instance, Infinergy® has been used in the consumption and emissions. When mass- that focuses strongly on customer needs. consideration.” came towards the end of the 1950s when, due central part of the rebound racket most produced, plastics can better demonstrate Getting lighter but safer, more durable and Making ordinary plastics magical through ® recently launched by renowned sports eco-friendly is exactly the contribution that innovation is what BASF's R&D team has Tay Jui Seng, Vice President, to its excellent insulating properties, Styropor process, cost and environmental advantages. Business Management Transportation, was increasingly used in the construction racket manufacturer Dunlop. Its unique materials technology development has made been continuously working on. Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF industry and for refrigeration. Today, it is the foamed microsphere structure makes it an "BASF innovatively replaced steel intake to the modern society. classic among insulation materials. unprecedentedly lightweight high-elastic manifolds with plastic ones,” said Tay. “Its "Our R&D success factors are creativity, material and significantly improves the commercial value has been fully recognized, Live Cool efficiency and integration. Fostering creativity component design. The importance of plastics in the racket's performance and durability, enabling which shed light on lightweight development BASF WALLTITE®, a kind of spray-applied and creating the conditions necessary to transportation industry was discovered players to make each swing confidently. in the automotive industry." polyurethane foam, is an insulating air barrier achieve it are among the company’s most With increasing urbanization, more and through experimentation. In 1964, the auto system. While WALLTITE® and Infinergy®, important tasks," said Dr. Martin Brudermüller, more people are living in confined spaces. maker Porsche applied BASF plastic “Palatal” Recently, how to provide eco-friendly, safe In recent years, as a raw materials supplier, which is used for the midsole of adidas Vice Chairman of the Board of Executive Households not only have more electrical to the exterior of its new model 904 Carrera and durable-sports venues for children has BASF has closely cooperated with customers sneakers, are made of polyurethane, they differ Directors and Chief Technology Officer of BASF. appliances, the equipment is also getting GTS and successfully reduced the weight increasingly become a public concern. BASF and actively participated in their product in hardness because of different formulations. "To do this, we need to intelligently combine more powerful. The resulting noise and by 150 kilograms, hence lowering fuel has not only created modern fashion sporting and process design by fully leveraging the competencies of our global Research vibration needs to be minimized. An consumption and emissions. The car became goods, but also protects children from harm the advantages of plastics and constantly The polyurethane foam used by WALLTITE® and Development Verbund while also taking interdisciplinary BASF team of chemists, the first lightweight vehicle and caused a when playing. developing innovative applications of lightweight greatly reduces the thickness of the insulation advantage of our external networks." physicists and engineers is improving various sensation worldwide. Today, lightweight has components for the transportation sector. layer as its thermal conductivity is much polymer solutions that can be used to become a major trend in the automotive BASF's newly developed sports flooring lower than that of other insulation materials. The foundation of BASF’s innovation optimize frequencies in the range that can industry and is of great significance in energy solutions include eco-friendly plus weather The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo 550i sedan WALLTITE® also creates a comfortable living strength is its global team of highly qualified be felt and heard: from 1 to 20,000 hertz. reduction and environmental protection. resistant polyurethane systems Elastan®, is the first to use BASF Ultramid® polyamide environment and reduced harm to nature for employees from various disciplines. In 2015, Depending on the frequency range and the and Elastocoat® combined with E-TPU plastic to manufacture the gearbox beam its higher flame retardancy (carbonization, about 10,000 employees were working in requirements, the team is able to change the Tay Jui Seng, Vice President, Business foam particles, whose formulations and melting-free), strong air tightness, construction Research and Development worldwide. The design of components and/or the molecular Management Transportation, Performance applications don't need any other organic convenience and a long service life. central research areas – Process Research & or foam structure of the materials used Materials Asia Pacific, BASF, explained that solvent or heavy metal. Eco-friendly materials Chemical Engineering, Advanced Materials & (polyamides, polyurethanes, melamine resin today's innovations not only applies to the can pave the way for the health of children In addition to the "coats" of buildings, Systems Research and Bioscience Research foams) through computer simulations. development of new materials but also on the instead of causing any harm to them BASF has made great efforts in its "cuffs" – serve as BASF’s three global research smart use of existing materials in innovative (construction workers included). The use of and "collars". The Ultradur® co-extrusion platforms. They are headquartered in the This is just a glimpse of BASF's technology applications. Infinergy® in a running track can effectively reinforced materials produced using the company’s main regions – Europe, Asia blueprint that reveals the path of materials reduce the impact of falling due to its polyurethane pultrusion technology can be Pacific and North America. Together with the technology. The R&D and production of "How do we meet customer requirements excellent rebound performance to guarantee used to make door and window sub-frames development units of the divisions, they form performance materials is only the beginning through the use of existing materials, the safety of children. for energy-efficient buildings. Windows with the core of BASF’s Know-How Verbund. of the creativity. The innovative collaboration development of new products and application Ultradur are 60% lighter in weight than metal of material design, process design, modern- development know-how is something we In June 2016, the “Limits of the Harmful ones, improving energy efficiency by 15- The Advanced Materials & Systems Research simulation technology and the global always take into consideration," said Tay. Substances in the Plastic Surface of School 20%, and reducing indoor heating costs. platform gathers nearly 200 employees R&D integration is giving infinite magic to "With a broad product portfolio and profound Sports Venues” was officially approved at its Shanghai base. Its recent research plastics. The changing properties of plastics industry expertise, BASF is committed to as a group standard for plastic running Meanwhile, BASF has innovatively applied focus is "Noise, Vibration and Harshness". are making our life more interesting and integrating chemistry, process and market tracks in Shanghai. By using construction- Elastocoat® polyurethane composites to Here, BASF experts are investigating convenient. needs to create innovative solutions and convenient, safe and harmless BASF sports the auxiliary frames of windows and doors. the possibilities of minimizing unwanted ® address various challenges of urban life." flooring materials, Dingding Kindergarten The insulating material Styrodur C (XPS) protects buildings from The Elastocoat® continuous fiber reinforced noise and vibrations through material and Now, it is your turn to imagine … high and low temperatures.
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“BASF will further cooperate with global Polyamide-6 powder partners and customers and provide the best opens a new era in 3D Printing solution for this growing market of 3D printing.”
n June 2016, aviation giant Airbus 3D printing, BASF. This time, when the same cost and meet the customized requirements Dr. Dirk Simon, Business Director, Innovation Business Unit launched Thor (Test of High-tech question was brought up, he received a of small volume production.” 3D printing, BASF IObjectives in Reality), the world’s first different answer: the BASF 3D printing team drone made almost entirely from 3D-printed based in Germany would be delighted to Today, many plastic parts are produced parts. This quick-to-assemble and extremely develop a new material for PATAC to meet through injection molding, which is fast and light (3.96 meters and 20.8 kilograms) aircraft the experiment requirements of R&D of the cost-efficient for production of 100,000 parts was introduced to the public at the last Berlin powertrain. per year. However, the investment into an Dr. Dirk Simon was introducing Air Show. injection molding tool makes the production 3D printing parts made of PA6 In the following year, through close of for instance 10,000 parts per year very powder at Chinaplas 2016. With 3D printing, manufacturing can now be communication and international cooperation, expensive. In the development process more versatile, economical, energy-saving BASF successfully launched 3D printing engine of products the tooling costs are already of 3D Printing 2016, showing that SLS is from the complimentary know-how of the and efficient. components made of the new polyamide-6 avoided by using 3D printing for prototypes. the top 3D printing technology (38%), and parties in material and formulation as well as Automotive air intake powder in one shot. Enabled by the new polyamide is the top 3D printing material. technology, machinery and services. manifold connector In China, Mr. Liu, Engine Intake and Exhaust technologies provided by BASF and its partner In addition, individually shaped plastic parts Other materials include resins (26%), metals Engineer from Pan Asia Technical Automotive companies, the PATAC team made it possible manufactured by 3D printing techniques are (23%), sandstones (13%) and wax (8%). This collaboration is open for potential This is an auto air intake manifold connector Center (PATAC), a joint venture between to successfully complete the process from gaining increasing prominence in industry customers to jointly develop solutions for printed with PA6, which is used in the design General Motors and Shanghai Automotive 3D printing to testing and adjustment of the with decisive advantages: they enable the Dr. Simon explained that the successful functional applications where materials, correction and function test of the engine. Industry Corporation Motor (SAIC Motor), has key components, significantly shortening the production of complex parts, allow individual launch of the 3D printing solution mainly equipment and processing are aligned. PA6 material’s superior mechanical property been anticipating the industrial applications of development cycle. designs and help lower costs in small scale relied on three key factors: Customers interested in a solution for a 3D and thermal stability enable the connector 3D printing and the considerable benefits that production; development cycles can be vastly printed part don’t need to worry about receiving to operate stably under the normal working come along with it. Over the last few years, It is made possible by the solution for 3D parts accelerated. Materials currently offered in the 1. Open system all the necessary elements for the solution. They conditions of the engine. Part of the surface Mr. Liu has asked his suppliers if they could printed by selective laser sintering (SLS) co- market do not satisfy the high requirements Most 3D printer suppliers today offer closed also have the choice to purchase products and of this connector can be further treated to provide a 3D printing prototype of the intake developed by BASF and Farsoon Hi-Tech, a for industrial applications for functional systems, which means that the operator can services from competition. meet air-tightness requirements so as to fully manifold for the powertrain R&D project that manufacturer of SLS and melting to develop components. These requirements include, for only use the materials supplied by the specific reflect PA6 material’s advantage in processing he is in charge of. Gradually, it has become integral solutions for 3D printing, in 2015. example, better material stability under high 3D printer supplier. This limits innovation 3. Broad portfolio and industry insights flexibility other than its mechanical property his habit to try to get answers from industry temperature conditions, and mechanical and and competitiveness. BASF and Farsoon As the world’s leading chemical company, and chemical stability. players and partners, but unfortunately “The new polyamide-6 powder developed by chemical stress tolerances. share the opinion that the market will grow BASF has a broad product portfolio and without much luck. BASF is the first raw material that made 3D much faster with open business models. formulation know-how relevant for 3D printing parts, which were successfully used The new polyamide-6 powder that BASF The R&D team did not confine themselves in printing. Moreover, BASF is an established At the end of 2014, at an internal workshop in engine testing, possible,” said Mr. Liu. “3D developed for the SLS process is a the labs during the development of the new supplier of materials used in traditional co-organized by PATAC and BASF, Mr. printing components made of PA6 powder comprehensive system solution for reliable PA6 powder. They had in-depth cooperation manufacturing. It is well positioned to help Liu by chance sat beside Dr. Dirk Simon, could not only carry out product functions, sintering to build complex parts with better with Chinese customers and conducted 29 customers and partners to overcome high trials enabled by overseas travel between barriers for growth with its know-how and Business Director Innovation Business Unit but also shorten the development cycle, save heat distortion temperature (HDT) properties for Automotive rearview mirror functional prototyping and production. It can be Germany and China. industry insights. adapted with partners and customers of BASF This is a model of auto rearview mirror printed Currently, BASF operates Application 3D printing offers unforeseen design options for specific applications. Objects made of with PA6, which is used in the functional Technology Labs in Ludwigshafen and for the aeronautical, automotive, health care, these innovative materials are distinguished by verification of digital modeling in early- Shanghai. It is opening a 3D Printing intelligent manufacturing, leisure and sports higher strength and heat-distortion stability than stage development. Its complicated internal Application Technology Center in Heidelberg. industries. High-end users of 3D printing rely objects made of the previously used polyamide structure and the position of a tightening With its global network and strong research more on accelerating product development 12. Besides, BASF’s PA6 powder shows good bolt require precise dimensions and certain capability, BASF is cooperating with a few and offering customized products and limited recycling properties: powder not sintered in the strength so as to verify a series of possible customers and developing solutions together series. BASF sees great potential in it and production process can be reused to a high problems from manufacturing to assembly in to meet their needs. is working on developing new materials for degree. actual use. customers to use in the various processes of SLS is one of the layer-by-layer additive 2. Global alliance additive manufacturing. manufacturing methods used today: following Developing new materials for the 3D printing a 3D blueprint, a laser draws the shape of an process is not a simple task that could be “In the next three years, the Innovation object in a powder such as polyamide. The fulfilled alone. BASF has partnered with Business Unit 3D printing will further cooperate material powder hit by the laser beam melts Farsoon Hi-tech, a manufacturer of SLS with global partners and customers to discover and forms the desired 3D object layer by layer. and melting to develop integral solutions market trends, incubate market opportunities for 3D printing. These can be tailored to and accelerate business development to Scan the code and learn more The French cloud 3D printing provider meet a customer’s individual needs. This provide the best solution for this growing about BASF PA6 power 3D printing was recognized as a joint-forces benefit market,” said Dr. Simon. material. Yansheng Li (left) and Xia Meng from 3D Printing Research, BASF, were looking at a 3D-printed plastic ball in a complex structure. Sculpteo lately released a report, The State
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implementation. Consultants get involved from an early stage of product development.
BASF color designers support BASF Coatings Solutions division, where color is one of our key success factors. The color teams around the world serve different regions. In Europe, the color design team is located in Muenster, Germany. In North America, it is in Southfield, USA. In Asia Pacific, they are here in Shanghai and Yokohama, Japan. All color designers work as ONE global team, analyzing color trends and issuing yearly global and local trend reports and color forecasts. Together with the application team, the color designers develop customer-specific colors.
BASF Care Chemicals division focuses on product experience and customer engagement with sample exploration. To touch, smell and see the product are The new BASF Design Center Asia Pacific located at the Innovation Campus Asia Pacific (Shanghai). key elements for success in the market. Experiencing the sensorial aspects with samples are elementary for a precise definition of customer needs. In addition, they test the functional performance and more Design inspires innovation quantified sensorial aspects in the sensorial lab to characterize successful products.
ow do you select appropriate chose to use BASF’s plastic Miramid®. chemicals, construction chemicals, pigments, industries, consultants at the new Design In 2016, following Ludwigshafen, Germany, materials for products to make After four years of efforts, the Vegetal chairs leather chemicals and performance materials Center are an interface between different and Tokyo, BASF established a new them cost-effective, energy-saving, debuted at the end of 2008, looking as if through this hub for Asia Pacific, and provide disciplines such as chemistry, materials, H designfabrik® in Shanghai, as part of the user-friendly and nice looking? This is they were woven with branches of different advanced solutions for multiple industries engineering marketing and design. With new Design Center Asia Pacific with a what concerns designers, engineers and thickness albeit very firm and weighing only including automotive, cosmetics, building experience in furniture, transportation, focus on advance products made out of developers these days. 5.5 kilograms. The chairs can be used both and consumer goods. consumer goods and other industries, and plastic. Founded in 2006 in BASF’s global indoors and outdoors because their color an understanding of market and production, headquarters in Ludwigshafen, designfabrik® In 2004, designers Ronan Bouroullec and won’t fade in sunlight. The Design Center is located at the BASF they play an important role in connecting is a design consultancy institution supporting Erwan Bouroullec were obsessed with the Innovation Campus Asia Pacific (Shanghai), R&D and the business personnel of BASF the BASF Performance Materials division. concept of a “Vegetal Chair”. The Frenchmen Nowadays, several Vegetal chairs in the company’s largest R&D site in the region with external customers. Its creation was the first time in the plastics dreamed of making chairs that would grow distinctive colors are displayed at the new and the global headquarters of BASF's sector that a raw materials producer had into the shape of organic plants. However, BASF Design Center Asia Pacific in Shanghai. Advanced Materials and Systems Research. “Design is the interface between users offered a special platform for a target group the design structure of the branches directly The center features resources from many and the function of a product. Our mission “We believe design of industrial designers. can further inspires affected the flowing smoothness of plastics different BASF operating divisions, such as “The Innovation Campus Asia Pacific is to be the first point of contact at BASF in molds, which made their mass production the Concept 1865 bicycle engraved with 24 creates an ideal environment for the Design for all design-driven industries”, said Ms. “At designfabrik® we will assist designers innovation for seem impossible. While such a design types of BASF high performance materials. Center, and promotes cross-disciplinary von Traitteur. “We collaborate closely with realize even the most daring ideas,” said future.” demonstrated great originality, the problem Other items include JOIN tableware made cooperation”, said Dr. Harald Lauke, teams across R&D and business divisions Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, was what materials could be used to achieve of Ultramid®, a solar-powered e-floater President, Advanced Materials and Systems with diverse materials, processing and Eva von Traitteur, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF. Head of Design Center Asia Pacific such a complex manufacturing process with weighting less than 12kg and adidas trend- Research, Regional Research Representative industry expertise under the same roof. This in Shanghai, BASF characteristics of comfort and practicality? setting running shoes. for Asia Pacific, BASF. “With our design makes it easier to develop original solutions Furthermore, consultants conduct application expertise, we want to translate inventions with a long-term horizon, in addition to development by fully leveraging BASF’s To solve the problem of plastic’s fluidity in New Design Center leveraging R&D into daily products that enhance quality of providing ongoing design consultancy for our expertise in various fields, and material molds, the pair cooperated with Vitra, the expertise life by connecting industrial designers with customers.” experts in the company enable customers to renowned Swiss furniture manufacturer, and The function of the new Design Center is BASF researchers, developers and business have a full understanding of the performance BASF, the world’s leading material supplier. to embrace designers from China and the experts.” As for designers, a good concept is just of materials. BASF’s experts helped them conduct a Asia-Pacific region. It is also to provide the beginning of a creation – they need to simulation analysis of materials and found consultation services, R&D support or From concept innovation to finished- know the usage and production modes of With the help of computer simulation patent problems in their molds and technological simulation and testing devices for them to product manufacturing materials. The BASF Design Center Asia technology ULTRASIM®, BASF engineers processes. Given that the materials of the narrow the distance between the material Eva von Traitteur, Head of BASF Design Pacific therefore plans a set of unique can accurately predict the performance vegetal chairs need to be highly liquid, and design industries. BASF will host design- Center Asia Pacific in Shanghai introduced originality processes, reflecting an all- of components, calculate the resilience of lightweight and durable, the design team related activities for coating solutions, care that with work experience in different round service from inspiration, ideation to final-finished products and recommend the
16 BASF information BASF information 17 Quality of life Cover story
most suitable manufacturing process. The Almost 80% of the lightweight, solar- technology can also help customers solve powered scooter “e-floater” is made of BASF Lightweight transport problems and effectively eliminate the hidden composite materials and plastics, which have dangers of performance in the stage of tool excellent vibration-absorption performance Katja Krauser design, production and post-production. This and promote the development of sustainable greatly improves economic efficiency and city transportation. Ultramid® accelerates the time for products entering the B3G10SI market. Using BASF’s new foam InfinergyTM, adidas This material has developed a new running shoe with Less than 12 kilograms, stable, durable and provides high- The expert team at BASF is the last step unique spring and cushioning properties. Its Elastollan® safe with an exciting and functional design – surface quality to realizing design concept. With their midsole is made from a new particle foam, ® Tires and handlebars are this is e-floater , an ultra-lightweight, solar- constructed with understanding of material characteristics and whose high rebound effect provides runners powered electric scooter. made of this thermoplastic ® a high glass fiber “At designfabrik we professional ability in process optimization, with unparalleled energy return, enabling polyurethane, ensuring good content. will assist designers design concept and mass production are them to enjoy the fun of running. grip and a smooth ride. realize even the both realized. Ultramid® B3ZG8 Jointly created by BASF and renowned most daring ideas.” For structural parts that have Design for the Future designer Chris Lefteri, the “Living Space to resist crash loads, the ® Andy Postlethwaite, So what is the purpose of design? Where is Concept” exhibition has moved from impact-modified Ultramid Senior Vice President, Performance the difference between meaningful design Singapore to Shanghai. It displays the design B3ZG8 offers a fine Materials Asia Pacific, BASF and a meaningless one? This is a problem application of BASF’s innovative materials balance between stiffness, that BASF faces when it sets out in the in furniture, consumer-electronic equipment toughness and durability. design field in the upstream from the raw- and household appliances. The exhibition material field. highlights the trends, challenges and living spaces of future residents in different stages Ultralaminate B3WG13 and ® The continuous growth of the global of life – but creativity is more than this. Ultramid B3WG12 COM population and urbanization brings great With the thermoplastic laminate and challenges to resources, environment, BASF is inviting people who love innovation customized over molding, BASF e-floater lives up to its name development of the e-floater. transportation, food and living quality. to join in, encouraging designers to draw provides comprehensive support because it provides users with The electric scooter offers Therefore, BASF is committed to seeking inspiration from BASF materials, develop in the designing and processing of the feeling of being almost a new and environmentally- ® better solutions focused on urban living, cooperation and jointly solve the challenges glass fiber reinforced parts. Ultramid B3M6 weightless. This becomes friendly solution for short future living and smart living. of urban living through design competitions This mineral-filled possible through composite distances in urban traffic and and cooperative projects among universities. polyamide is used for and plastic materials from bridges the gap between It aims to make design and innovation help parts where minimal BASF, making up 80% of the residence or city center “The Innovation Campus to provide a more healthy, intelligent and warpage is crucial. the scooter. In March 2015, and the next public transport Asia Pacific creates sustainable life for the society. BASF and Floatility, a startup stop. In future, e-floater will be an ideal environment with offices in Hamburg available through an app-based for the Design “BASF’s innovation in materials is the main and Singapore, entered rental system in a simple and into a partnership for the uncomplicated way. Center, and promotes source of inspiration of outstanding products, which is best interpreted and transferred by cross-disciplinary a good design work”, said Dr. Lauke. “We Rolling into the future cooperation.” will continue cooperating with customers and partners in the region to jointly explore more Oliver Risse is both a pioneer and businessman. As founder and weather, especially, people will drive cars. than aluminum, which also affects the driving Dr. Harald Lauke, President, Advanced Materials and Systems innovative and sustainable solutions.” CEO of his own startup Floatility, he has set himself the goal of Therefore, electric mobility is very important behavior. On the road surface, there is quite Research, Regional Research Representative initiating the future in motion. because only in this way can we optimize a lot of unevenness, which can be better for Asia Pacific, BASF the use of time and reach our destination mitigated with a softer material. Moreover, the Selecting appropriate materials for products BASF information: How did you come up with minimum effort. The frequency of this better attenuation property creates the ‘floating’ is always the most challenging decision for with the idea to build the e-floater? solution stands analogous to the simplicity feeling and the design is interpreted through designers, engineers and developers. “With I have lived in Asia for many years where of the solution offered: fast and efficient this flexible material: the e-floater can be BASF Design Center Asia Pacific we offer short-distance transport is one of the very driving with short distances to the nearest controlled by weight transfer. a platform to solve that problem”, said Ms. big problems. I got the idea for the e-floater rental station is an important prerequisite. von Traitteur. “The design thinking process while jogging. With it we hope to make What role will the e-floater play in five in the Design Center Asia Pacific reflects the urban mobility better and more attractive. Why use plastics? years? combination of technology, demand and Plastics have many advantages. On one Currently, we see three main scenarios materials. Many excellent designs, which What is the last mile? Why not go on foot or hand, they offer the freedom of design. On for the use of the e-floater: in local public couldn’t be achieved in the past due to ride a bicycle instead? the other hand, it saves weight and costs transport systems as the next generation choosing the wrong materials or production The last mile means the distances that potentially. Especially in mass production, of bicycle rental; in trips for city tourism methods, can now be implemented. We are too short to drive with cars, but too savings can be achieved in injection molding or in factory traffic of big companies. The believe design can further inspires innovation long to go on foot. From the front door of and the production process is very flexible. In rental system will supplement other mobility for future.” home to the next metro station would be addition, the combination of different BASF solutions in future and be integrated into the an example of such distances. In warmer materials is very exciting. Plastics are softer existing system.
Dr. Harald Lauke with Concept 1865 bicycle. Photos: BASF
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but also sent experienced engineers to the where BASF’s CathoGuard® 800 (CG800) site. They were involved in the installation, demonstrates its value. Tiexi plant of BMW Brilliance implementation and testing together with the BMW Brilliance team and other suppliers BASF’s CG800, a leading e-coat around the Located in Tiexi Economic and until the Tiexi plant started production world, is not only rust-resistant, but also low Technological Development Zone, successfully. This ensured the continuously in solvent and free of heavy metal and HAP. Shenyang, Liaoning Province, the Tiexi stable production of the paint shop. Therefore, it won’t cause air pollution and is plant of BMW Brilliance is the 25th in the very environmental-friendly. More importantly, BMW Group and was officially opened “Innovative technologies and building up its optimized distribution of the film resulting on May 24, 2012. partnerships with suppliers are very crucial in a homogenous thickness saves material. to BMW Brilliance,” said Chen Weihua, the The multi-metal compatibility of CG800 The Tiexi plant has fully realized paint shop director at the Tiexi plant of BMW means fewer touch-ups on the car body and industrial intelligence in four major Brilliance. “We are so impressed that BASF ensures high quality and reliable technical shops, i.e. stamping, body, painting and is customer-oriented, offering professional process during manufacturing. Moreover, final assembly, and sets new examples technologies and services and striving for the coating does an outstanding job on in terms of energy saving and emission excellence.” any substrates and can be combined with reduction. With a footprint of 50,000m2, state-of-the-art pretreatment technologies, the paint shop of the Tiexi plant started “Dedicated to continuous innovation, BASF including the new nickel-free “nano” production on July 1, 2013. It has delivers advanced automotive coatings pretreatment. now achieved the goal of saving water solutions with the best-in-class services to by 30%, energy by 40% and cutting our customers. We will continuously support Since its launch in 2009, CG800 has been emissions by 20%. It is one of the most their long-term, sustainable development,” widely applied across the world. Its superior eco-friendly and sustainable paint shops Colorful cars start from green said Dr. Thierry Herning, General Manager, features include eco-friendliness, energy with the least energy consumption in BASF Shanghai Coatings Co., Ltd. efficiency, excellent throwing power, high- the world. BASF provides efficient and eco-friendly automotive coating solutions for BMW X1. corrosion resistance and high-surface quality. Paint shops of car manufacturers plants With its wide applications around the world, n elevated expressways, cars and waterborne basecoat. Through the Based on such considerations, BASF newly established in these two years can CG800 has been well recognized by car E-coat: 40 years of success coated with gorgeous paints can streamlined Integrated Process (IP), BASF innovated and optimized the coating directly adopt the IP, while for existing plants, manufacturers. Omake a city more vibrant and helps the Tiexi plant reduce production costs process, developing the IP, incorporating part primer and basecoat processes can also Early 1960s: Anodic E-coat replaced colorful. and the consumption of raw materials and of the functions of primer into the waterborne use the IP after certain reconstruction. In In 2011, BASF introduced CG800 into China conventional dip coating. With this energy, effectively control the emission of basecoat system. With the innovative e-coat addition to the Tiexi plant of BMW Brilliance, and soon won the recognition of major car process the body and the coating were ® electrically charged, with the body While it may have never occurred to you, VOC and CO2 and increase productivity. CathoGuard 800, the primer and drying many major car manufacturers in China have manufacturers. Shanghai GM was the first car the coating process, which is responsible steps are saved with the same effect of the adopted BASF’s IP. manufacturer in the country to adopt CG800. receiving a positive charge and the for the various colors on cars, is one of the Integrated Process: the wisdom of original four-step process. coating a negative charge. most energy-intensive processes in industrial subtraction Eco-friendly CathoGuard® 800 At the Tiexi plant of BMW Brilliance, as Mid-1970s: With cathodic E-coat, the automotive manufacturing. It also emits a The entire paint system of a car, at one tenth Compared with the standard process, E-coat is indispensable in the coating part of the IP, the paint shop maximizes the poles were reversed. large number of volatile organic compounds of a millimeter, is no thicker than a human hair the streamlined IP effectively shortens process of automotive bodies. It provides the utilization of CG800 by turning 360°. This Late 1970s: BASF supplied the paint for the first E-coat line for small parts used (VOC) and CO2. The former is the main but consists of four layers, including e-coat, the production line and coating process. bodies in white with the primer coat, which helps to save more space in the paint shop source of PM2.5, while the latter is one of the primer, basecoat and clearcoat. Generally, It reduces the use of raw materials, cuts is the basis for the following layers of coating and is energy-saving and eco-friendly. Due to in the European automotive industry. Late 1980s: BASF launched the main causes of global warming. it can only be completed after a four-step up to 20% energy consumption and CO2 and efficiently protects surfaces, edges and the reduction of wastewater discharge and ® process, which has very high requirements emission, and minimizes the use of solvents cavities from corrosion. The IP without primer energy consumption, the production cost of CathoGuard technology. The product’s As one of the leading automotive coatings on the space of the paint shop and energy and thus the VOC emission. It also help requires e-coat to be more powerful. This is each car is significantly reduced. exceptional features include its suppliers in the world, BASF has had consumption. car manufacturers increase productivity optimized edge protection, flow and ® extensive and in-depth cooperation with and improve the balance between throwing power. CathoGuard 300 car manufacturers around the globe, not As there are no set rules in the world, why energy consumption and eco-system to 500 were the first lead-free E-coat only in research of color design and trends not find a win-win solution that cuts both conservation. In terms of both profit-making products. ® to make cars look fashionable, but also costs and protects the environment? BASF and environmental protection, the IP has Today: CathoGuard 800 and 900 in being actively involved in the coating loves such challenges. Based on study of significant advantages. are tin-free, have a low percentage of process, exploring eco-friendly automotive the whole coating process, BASF found solvents (low VOC), are HAP-free and coatings, coating processes and solutions. that primer could be reduced. If feasible, the The Tiexi plant of BMW Brilliance is comply with the latest environmental This is to help car manufacturers tackle the original four-step coating process can be the second BMW plant in the world to legislation. severe challenges of balancing economic streamlined to three steps. implement the IP. Thanks to the IP, both initial effectiveness and ecological efficiency. investment and labor costs were reduced by However, it is not a simple question of four around 30%. In addition, energy and water Located in Shenyang, Liaoning, the Tiexi minus one. The effects of primer need to be consumption, VOC emission and wastewater plant of BMW Brilliance is one of the considered. The UV light in the atmosphere discharge were one-third of the average most eco-friendly and sustainable paint can penetrate layers of clearcoat and of 10 years ago, all of which were major shops in the world, albeit with the lowest basecoat and make light-sensitive e-coat breakthroughs in sustainable development. The Tiexi plant of BMW Brilliance is the second BMW plant in the world to energy consumption. As one of the major crack and peel. Primer helps protect e-coat implement the Integrated Process, which coating suppliers of Tiexi plant, BASF from UV light and flattens the surface of From construction to start-up, BASF not effectively increase productivity and improve the balance between energy provides advanced and eco-friendly e-coat coatings to prevent it from stone chipping. only provided the overall coating solutions consumption and eco-system conservation.
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industry plays an increasingly important role. China is the world’s largest car production market, while regulations and emissions standards in the automotive industry are continuing to tighten. Since 2012, the Chinese government has put waterborne primer and waterborne basecoat as a mandatory requirement for new sedan manufacturing. In 2015, the Beijing municipal government issued an “Emission Standard of Air Pollutants for Painting of Automotive “Tiexi plant is the Manufacturing Industry”. It is considered the “With our latest first BMW plant in the world’s most strict local standard of VOC technologies, world adopting CG800. emission for industrial painting so far. innovative and eco- Since the successful friendly paints, launch in 2013, the Over the past few years, BASF has coating solutions conducted a comprehensive Eco-Efficiency e-coat tank continues Analysis of the application process, looking and processes, to improve the quality at the environmental impact in proportion to BASF will help our of our products the cost-effectiveness of painting production clients to achieve a and contributes and painting technologies. Such analysis balance of cost and to our sustainable helps quantify and visualize sustainable eco-efficiency, and development. It also allows BASF to provide development.” its customers with the best possible advice support the growing
Chen Weihua, with consideration to both ecological and automotive industry paint shop director at the Tiexi plant of cost efficiency. It identifies further potential in China.” BMW Brilliance for improvement in automotive painting processes and contributes to sustainable Dr. Thierry Herning, General Manager, “BASF’s CG800 can fully meet the most development. BASF Shanghai Coatings Co., Ltd demanding requirements of BMW Brilliance on automotive coating,” said Chen. “Tiexi The study shows that compared with solvent- waterborne basecoats to China in 2005. plant is the first BMW plant in the world borne paints, waterborne processes involve adopting CG800. Since the successful significantly lower emissions of VOC and “With our latest technologies, innovative launch in 2013, the e-coat tank continues therefore show overall good results with and eco-friendly paints, coating solutions to improve the quality of our products and respect to eco-friendliness. Benefiting from the and processes, BASF will continue to work contributes to our sustainable development.” eco-efficiency analysis, BASF has continuously together with our clients to achieve a balance developed waterborne, solvent-reduced or of cost and eco-efficiency, and support the A leader in the China automotive industry solvent-free paint systems, pioneering in growing automotive industry in China,” said for improving eco-efficiency waterborne paints in automotive OEMs. BASF Dr. Herning. Eco-efficiency in the global automotive was the first coatings supplier to introduce
Glasurit and China's premium Recently, Glasurit®, a premium brand of funded by BASF has been planted by bodyshops support “Plant BASF, has launched “Glasurit Bodyshop YGF in August 2016, and YGF will also be a Billion Trees” program in Emissions Program” in China, supporting the responsible for tending the trees after they China Yunnan Green Environment Development are planted. Foundation (YGF)’s participation in the global “Plant a Billion Trees” campaign. Glasurit® is a global leader in driving Conceptualized by The Nature Conservancy sustainability in the automotive refinish industry (TNC) and supported by YGF, this campaign with innovative water-borne paint solutions. aims to restore severely degraded forests For over 100 years, Glasurit has stood for by planting a billion trees globally and help professional solutions and first-class quality. mitigate the impacts of climate change. Precision agriculture Glasurit today works actively with Under the “Glasurit Bodyshop Emissions bodyshops to master the sustainability Program”, selected bodyshops who use the challenges of the future. Its pioneer in the digital era premium Glasurit 90 Line waterborne refinish initiative, “Glasurit Bodyshop Emissions paint are invited by BASF to join the program. Program” in Australia, has planted All donations will be aggregated by BASF thousands of trees in partnership with The internet is playing a key role in the transformation of industries. and then donated to YGF, which will use the emissions reduction organization Carbon What new opportunities is the agriculture industry facing with in the digital era? funds to plant trees. The first batch of trees Neutral Australia.
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oday, more than 7 billion people are generally, in a primary stage, with a number minded and willing to try more channels have access to such information, know the such mangoes will be sold at 10-20 yuan per living on this planet. By 2050, the of problems to be solved. and platforms to learn new crop-farming benefits, or communicate their problems in kilogram in tier-one cities such as Shanghai. Ttotal number is estimated to reach technologies and products, and to conduct using the products. In future, once farmers are able to deal 9.6 billion as people will be living longer as Wheat and corn production areas in the north scientific planning in farming so as to improve directly with end users on the same platform, well. As economic development brings more of the country have large land holdings, but productivity, quality and profit. Now, the BASF Leading Grower App not all information about supply and demand will wealth, people want and demand better- farmers in the south are mostly individuals only promotes products and services more be public and both farmers and consumers quality food. Such factors require higher who manage their own small fields and buy As smart phones have become necessities efficiently but also gathers information that can benefit from such transactions. efficiency in agricultural production, produce agricultural supplies from retail stores. Take in people’s lives, the BASF Leading Grower farmers are most concerned about. They yields and quality. crop farming and protection for example. As App will be able to provide and deliver in- can get to know micro climates in their As the BASF Leading Grower App is further retail stores are driven by profit, seldom do time, comprehensive and precise agricultural own fields, crops’ growing stages, the promoted and used, hundreds of thousands of In China, agricultural production has satisfied they offer to-the-point guidance to farmers and technological services to meet the needs pest control in each of them and practical farmers will contribute to the database that will “BASF will continue people’s basic needs to survive. High-quality whose demand volume is relatively low when of large-scale farmers. They will be able to cases for reference. Farmers can also learn provide detailed information on produce such to offer services agricultural products, however, are in short they buy products for their crops. Faced with manage planting more efficiently. Through about the latest crop farming technologies as variety, place of origin, when they are planted in every part of supply, despite infrastructure and farmers’ a great number of crop protection products, their phones, farmers will receive weather and solutions, make decisions and adjust and harvested. If farmers could directly connect the value chain knowledge expected to grow. in addition to farming technical services that reports, learn about agricultural technologies operations according to weather conditions with fruit stores and supermarkets, brand new vary in quality, farmers need a way to choose and pest control and be able to consult and growing cycles. marketing channels would be established. of agricultural The internet is playing a key role in the products and services that are right for them. with BASF experts through long-distance Farmers who used to grow the same crops en products. Our transformation of industries. In Internet + guidance about agricultural problems. For example, a farmer in Huizhou, masse can, in future, avoid such scenarios by commitment to Agriculture, mobile internet is becoming Farmers with smaller-sized fields usually Guangdong, can select his village and crops knowing market trends, making smart planning helping farmers more and more important. In rural areas focus on short-term profit, so they often “It is a systematic job to help farmers improve via the BASF Leading Grower App, set the in scientific ways and selecting the right crops improve the quality smart phones are much easier to use irrationally choose crops to grow based quality and profits,” said Jiang. “BASF will technology to monitor the weather in his to plant. than computers. So how to use digital on the market trend of the year. They may continue to offer services in every part of fields and different stages (seedling, flowering of farming, produce technologies to boost the development easily plant the same crops or blindly change the value chain of agricultural products. and growing) in growing and pest control. In addition, other records of farming, pesticides and competitiveness of planting capacity and infrastructure them. The consequence will be that they Our commitment to helping farmers The App can also serve as an automatic and residues will be also saved in the BASF will never change. construction? How can the agricultural harvest but they don’t profit. Farmers need improve the quality of farming, produce and reminder. The farmer may be the only farming Leading Grower App database. “This valuable We will strive to help development of China be speeded up? How to have their target crops well planned for competitiveness will never change. We will expert in the family but when he is thousands data is not only strong proof of the product’s farmers maximize can the quality of products and benefits for longer term, as well as know more about the strive to help farmers maximize their profits.” of miles away from home, he can still arrange high quality but also basic support to track farmers be improved? Such questions have marketing channels of agro-products to really for his family to use plant protection products agricultural production in future. In this way, their profits.” been put on the table of many internet giants get both high yields and profits. Good tool for farmers and take care of the crops. food safety can be guaranteed. We are looking
Jiang Weiqi, and plant protection companies. Pest control is the most common and stable forward to all of these prospects,” said Jiang. Manager, Marketing, Fungicide and Technologies in agriculture, meanwhile, have operation in daily farming, independent from “The BASF Leading Grower App is easy “We have just started and it takes time to Specialty Crop, Crop Protection, BASF In March 2016, BASF launched its innovative been left behind for a long time and there are the changing climates each year. Fungicides, to use, like a teacher and friend to farmers promote the BASF Leading Grower App. But “BASF Leading Grower” App to better serve no efficient channels for communication and therefore, are most relevant to the quality by their side,” said Jiang. “Through smart BASF is already in the leading position of our farmers in China – helping them to improve marketing. Agricultural profits, therefore, are of produce among all crop protection phones, farmers can obtain crop protection industry.” their growing skills and productivity and so far below expectations that farmers leave technologies as they strengthen a crop’s solutions and products from us 24/7 in starting a new precision agriculture model for their fields to work in cities. It is said that resistance and immunity to changes in the different locations. They are farming in the digital age. those born in the 1970s are reluctant to farm; environment. scientific ways and can manage their those born in the 1980s refuse to farm; while business anytime, anywhere.” BASF BanCare project
Boost for China’s agricultural those born in the 1990s don't even mention As a leading supplier of fungicides, BASF has As a leading fungicide supplier in transformation farming now. helped Chinese farmers by launching two Big data in future agriculture China, BASF launched its BanCare Agricultural production in China is still, or more high-performance and innovative By collecting, integrating and evaluating project in 2016 for banana farmers In recent years, national policies have been fungicides in each of the past three years. the backstage data of the Leading Grower who have purchased BASF products. issued one after another to encourage and Take grapes from Jiaxing, Zhejiang, for App, BASF is able to strengthen its farmer- When hit by typhoons at level-14 and support land transfer, home-based farms and example. Grape farmers who use the BASF relationship management. According to above (wind velocity>=41.5m/s), these large-scale growing. The number of large- farming protection solution have reduced Jiang, when farm information is accumulated farmers will be compensated with scale farmers is increasing rapidly. Many far- pesticide use by 50% in terms of dosage to a certain scale, big data will come into BASF products of certain value for free sighted entrepreneurs born in the 1980s and frequency, saving on manpower costs play. In future, information about farmers, field so that they minimize their losses and have also sensed the great opportunities in but harvesting more and better fruits. These locations and yields retrieved from this App gain more benefits after such disasters. agriculture and have devoted themselves to grapes are healthier in their looks and of will help BASF provide services to directly it. Crop growing is no longer gloomy as more better quality, so they sell for higher prices. In connect farmers with sales terminals and The BASF BanCare project covers and more farmers are engaged in it. general, farmers who choose to use BASF’s lower the risks caused by incorrect marketing areas in Guangdong, Guangxi and management solution for their grapes have information that would hurt farmers’ benefits. Hainan during the typhoon season According to Jiang Weiqi, Manager, a high return on invested capital, earning 27 It will be another service BASF intends to from mid-June till November in 2016. Marketing, Fungicide and Specialty Crop, times the outlay. provide to Chinese farmers. Crop Protection, BASF, these farmers are 35 to 45 in age, well-educated and with the In the past, BASF promoted its products and In Hainan Island where mangoes grow, as best know-how in crop farming across the usage tips through face-to-face meetings farmers do not have relevant marketing
country. They are not just beneficiaries of with farmers. The farmers attending such information prices for the fruit are manipulated Scan the QR code to download land policies but also executors and leaders meetings numbered just a few dozen, by resellers. Farmers sell their mangoes at and log on to the “BASF Leading Grower” App. Invitation code: of modern agriculture in China. As the “cool” while BASF’s investment in manpower and one to two yuan per kilogram. After being 888888. generation in agriculture, they are open- capital is quite a lot. Most farmers didn’t transported by resellers and logistics carriers,
24 BASF information BASF information 25 Resources, environment and climate Feature
the attention of the food and beverage industry in recent years, in addition to the The interior walls of the building use the Sustainable materials for ® chemical and pharmaceutical industries. As latest Finestone water-based coating, which the food industry requires a clean and germ- is not only anti-bacterial and anti-fungal innovative buildings free manufacturing environment, chemical but also emits zero-VOC (volatile organic substances are often used to clean floors and compound) and formaldehyde3. It is odorless hot water to kill germs. Traditional floors, as and environmental friendly, ensuring the a result, have to be replaced and renovated health and safety of employees. Moreover, every year or two. Basotect® acoustic insulation foam should BASF’s advanced construction materials and solutions be given credit for the quiet and comfortable are used in the second phase of the BASF Innovation ® Campus Asia Pacific (Shanghai). Ucrete , with no such worries, has been environment inside the building since its “BASF products are very important in the food safety system. In brilliance in sound absorption and fire and contributes to the development of the longer life and lower needs for maintenance. China, it has been chosen by well-known resistance improves the acoustic environment not only outstanding sustainable construction industry worldwide, Even when the membrane is damaged companies such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Yurun inside the rooms. and eco-friendly but committed to creating a sustainable future somewhere, water will not track underneath Group, Charoen Pokphand Foods, Nestle are also equipped with for our planet. At the 2010 Shanghai World and the leak can be quickly found, improving Group, Want Want Group, Wanglaoji and Yili. Balance and optimization to set an a series of complete Expo, BASF provided an insulation solution maintenance efficiency and lowering ® Meanwhile, Ucrete is highly valued in the example and professional for Hamburg-house, the first passive house maintenance costs. pharmaceutical and chemical industries and The R&D building in the second phase of in China. others that require durable flooring. the BASF Innovation Campus Asia Pacific systematical Leaking in bathrooms is one of the most (Shanghai) is the first research laboratory documentation, which In November 2015, the second phase of common problems found in buildings. The Comfortable and green inside and building in China that has been constructed is extremely helpful to the BASF Innovation Campus Asia Pacific new R&D building and the Cube Canteen outside according to the DGNB standard and LEED ® the implementation “The second phase of (Shanghai) was inaugurated. Using the use MasterSeal cementitious waterproofing The Finestone® wall thermal insulation and certified. To be certified as a green building, DGNB1 and LEED2 standards in design, coating. It adapts to a wet substrate and and application of the BASF Innovation finishing system was used on the exterior however, is not the only goal of this project. construction and operation, the project has provides a good interface for tiling and other walls of the second phase of the BASF DGNB certification of Campus Asia Pacific fully leveraged BASF’s innovative construction decorative coatings. It also has the flexibility Innovation Campus Asia Pacific (Shanghai). According to architect and DGNB auditor Rolf the Innovation Campus (Shanghai) is a great materials to create a sustainable building to resist structure movement caused by The multi-layer thermal insulation system is Demmler, Director of SoftGrid (Shanghai) Co, in Shanghai.” example of BASF at the BASF Greater China headquarters in temperature changes and other factors. It is not only highly decorative but is protective Ltd, the DGNB standard is a tool to optimize Pudong. ideal for waterproof application in bathrooms, Rolf Demmler, successfully balancing with good thermal insulation and weather the design, construction and operation of a architect and DGNB auditor, Director of kitchens, balconies and pools, like a reliable the economic resistance. In addition to functionality, it building. It focuses holistically on evaluating SoftGrid (Shanghai) Co, Ltd “The second phase of the BASF Innovation dam for the building. comes in a wide range of textures, colors the ecological, economic, functional, benefits and social Campus Asia Pacific (Shanghai) adopted and patterns. technological and social performances of a In terms of comprehensive performance and environmental a series of cutting-edge construction With chemistry labs on the premises, the building as its major goal. and cost perspectives, the second phase of responsibilities.” materials and solutions by BASF, creating new R&D building has a special and cautious The Finestone® rock wool thermal insulation the BASF Innovation Campus Asia Pacific an eco-friendly, safe and pleasant working need for a flooring system. According to system is applied to the exterior walls. “DGNB focuses on the integration and (Shanghai) features more advantages than Ma Shouwang, environment for our employees,” said Ma Ma, chemistry labs require outstanding Senior Manager of Industry Team In winter heat is prevented from moving optimization of architectural projects, and ordinary buildings. Construction China, BASF Shouwang, Senior Manager of Industry Team performance in resisting corrosive chemicals, outward, while in summer heat is shielded prefers balancing among all indexes,” said ® Construction China, BASF. impact and wear load. They should also be from the outside, making the building energy Demmler. “BASF products are not only While the Ucrete flooring system costs more slip-resistant and easy to clean; a traditional efficient for all seasons with low energy outstanding and environmentally friendly than the traditional solution, for example, rbanization makes cities prosper Safe and durable from the top down flooring system won’t qualify. consumption and carbon emissions. This but are also equipped with a series of it lasts for at least 20 years, over 5 times and life more easy than ever before. As roof waterproofing quality impacts innovative thermal insulation system also complete and professional systematical that of the latter. The total cost, therefore, is ® UBut buildings, as the main body of a the durability of an architectural structure Ucrete , an industrial flooring system that is meets Grade A fire prevention requirements: documentation, which is extremely helpful to significantly lowered. city, are one of the biggest energy guzzlers, and the life of a building, it is a significant more than 40 years old, is popular within the it will not combust, even in a fire, making a the implementation and application of DGNB ® accounting for a quarter to a third of total process in construction. BASF’s MasterSeal industry. It is often known as “the toughest building much safer. certification of the Innovation Campus in “Thanks to a series of advanced BASF energy consumption. Research by the waterproofing system does an excellent industrial flooring in the world”. Not only does Shanghai.” chemical building materials solutions, energy McKinsey Global Institute shows that four out job on the roofing of the new R&D building it meet the above-mentioned criteria but During the construction process, thermal consumption and carbon emission have of five of the most cost-efficient measures to in the second phase of BASF Innovation also satisfies all emission requirements for boards are glued to exterior walls with the With a premise that the project is reasonable been greatly reduced,” said Ma. “The second ® lower greenhouse gas emissions are energy Campus Asia Pacific (Shanghai) and the indoor flooring systems in Europe. Ucrete Finestone® Adhesive & Base Coat. The in budget, achievable in schedule and safe phase of the BASF Innovation Campus Asia ® saving measures for buildings. Cube Canteen. MasterSeal system forms a is durable, environmentally friendly and thus product is highly capable of being adhesive, in operation, the second phase of the BASF Pacific (Shanghai) is a great example of BASF monolithic membrane that is fully bonded to being used on the grounds of the new R&D flexible, efficient, air-penetrating and Innovation Campus Asia Pacific (Shanghai) successfully balancing the economic benefits It is for this reason that the concept of the roof substrate after curing, protecting the building. waterproof. has optimized ecological performance, and social and environmental responsibilities.” sustainable buildings has come into building like a huge umbrella without leakage. achieved a high level of energy saving and ® being as the key to saving energy and Moreover, Ucrete performs brilliantly in The exterior wall finishing of the Innovation environmental protection results and created 1 reducing emissions for cities, to protect the Produced with BASF raw materials, the slip resistance. Since it does not cause Campus features Finestone® STONELOOK a comfortable and healthy architectural DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen e.V., i.e. MasterSeal® spray applied polyurethane biodegradation or breed bacteria or fungi, it German Sustainable Building Council) is a system describing environment and to promote sustainable coating products, which take on a stone- environment. and evaluating building sustainability developed jointly by development. Building materials play a waterproofing system was created in an can be as clean as stainless steel. Therefore, decoration appearance yet lower the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Construction and Urban Development. vital role in increasing energy efficiency and environmentally friendly nature. It has the floor of the Pudong Cube Canteen uses consumption on natural resources. It also The application of BASF building materials, 2 promoting urban sustainable development. excellent elasticity, UV resistance and weather Ucrete as it is easy-cleaning, attractive, safe, avoids pollutions to the environment brought meanwhile, has changed traditional LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) resistance, and can withstand corrosion and reliable and comfortable to walk on. is a green building certification program established and by stone processing, and saves a large construction methods so that construction implemented by the United States Green Building Council. With its own strengths in construction structure movement caused by exposure to amount of manpower and facilities that may efficiency has been greatly improved and 3 bad weather. A building, therefore, will have The Ucrete® flooring system has attracted Zero-VOC and formaldehyde: no volatile organic compound or free chemicals, BASF actively participates in be needed in stone installation. post-phase maintenance costs are reduced. formaldehyde is tested based on the standard of GB18582-2008.
26 BASF information BASF information 27 Innovation Column
Fruitful results with broad prospects for "An important source of innovation, NAO: accelerating open innovation cooperation cooperation with outstanding scientists via Over the last two years, professors, postdoc the NAO platform, enables BASF to gain students and BASF researchers have been access to new technologies and explore new through successful science collaboration working together on 28 projects through the business areas," said Dr. Sébastien Garnier, NAO platform. In a project with Hanyang former Senior Manager of Scouting and Open University, Seoul, for example, researchers Research Center Asia Pacific, BASF. "NAO worked on the fatigue life prediction of wind has become an important bridge between turbine blades of composites to provide an BASF and the academic community in Asia effective analysis tool for blade design in Pacific. I believe with our continuous efforts Changchun Institute of the wind industry. Another project with the we are expecting more creative and viable Applied Chemistry (1) “I look forward 1 Chinese University of Hong Kong aimed at ideas from this network in future." 2 to a long-term 3 developing a novel process to produce non- 6 Tsinghua University (2) 7 sticky solid particles from a liquid, which will "I really appreciate our partnership in the NAO collaboration be useful for the construction industry. project. BASF shows the commitment and between my Beijing University dedication of long-term vision, and an open department and 4 5 of Chemical Technology (3) In 2014, the first transfer of the key results mindset towards diversity," said Prof. Feng BASF. I believe this from some projects to the business units Qiu from the Department of Macromolecular Sichuan University (4) was completed. Currently, there are 13 active Science of Fudan University. "I look forward will bring win-win to “Entrepreneurship, projects operating with focus on coatings, to a long-term collaboration between my both parties.” Fudan University (5) composites, functional polymers and department and BASF. I believe this will bring creativity and Prof. Feng Qiu, collaboration are additives. win-win to both parties." Department of Macromolecular Science of Fudan University the main factors Seoul National University (6) Experts in polymer physics modeling from of successful Fudan University, for example, are working on innovation.” Kyoto University (7) a collaborative project with BASF in the field Nurturing close cooperation with leading universities and institutes around the world is of nano-hybrid PU/Polyacrylate systems. The essential to BASF. The BASF Postdoctoral Research Centers around the world are proven Dr. Harald Lauke, President, Advanced Materials & project team has already reached a significant to be effective in connecting external expertise with BASF researchers. Systems Research, Regional Research milestone and developed a powerful tool Representative Asia Pacific, BASF to optimize formulations for coatings and BASF Postdoc Centers insulation applications. This multidisciplinary • "California Research Alliance" (CARA) in the United States approach combining modeling and • "Joint Research Network on Advanced Materials and Systems" (JONAS) in Europe ASF fully utilizes its strength as the "Entrepreneurship, creativity and sense of achievement for people from experimental work was the key factor for • "North America Center for Research on Advanced Materials" (NORA) world’s leading chemical company collaboration are the main factors of academia." success. • "Network for Advanced Materials Open Research" (NAO) in Asia Bto continuously invest in innovations successful innovation," said Dr. Harald to introduce sustainable solutions into the Lauke, President, Advanced Materials & Claudia Staudt, Senior Manager of Scouting market. To expand research and innovation Systems Research, Regional Research and Open Research Center Asia Pacific, said Discover, connect and develop: great opportunity for them to learn how to scientific expertise. I am highly motivated in Asia Pacific, BASF is closely collaborating Representative Asia Pacific, BASF. NAO her work aiming to build a strong regional effectively communicate and collaborate with to drive innovation in applied research and with the region’s top universities and integrates the three factors, supports and cluster with interaction between industry and professors and students a cross-function team and stakeholders. have decided to move from academia to institutes within the platform of the Network promotes close collaboration in the field of academia. “Frequent discussions and face- sharing experience at NAO Such experiences are critical to preparing the industry. I hope to work on a wider range of for Advanced Materials Open Research advanced materials research, enabling all to-face meetings like the biannual NAO days BASF information: What are the benefits students to move from an academic role to topics and to solve real-world challenges. (NAO). Established in March 2014 in partners to extend their scientific horizon to enable us to provide an ideal surrounding for of Open Research and the NAO platform? an industry role smoothly. collaboration with leading universities and develop sustainable solutions. post-docs further developing themselves in a BASF information: How do you think of research institutes in China, Japan and highly motivated community that accelerates Prof. To Ngai, Chinese University of Huanhuan Gao, a postdoc student BASF as an innovation partner? South Korea where this BASF Postdoctoral An important aspect of the open research the transfer of innovation to products,” said Hong Kong: Open Research provides a participating in a project at Fudan Research Center in Asia Pacific initiates, concept is that BASF is connecting experts Claudia. very good opportunity to initiate cooperation University for six months at NAO: I cherish Prof. Mitsuo Sawamoto, Kyoto NAO negotiates and establishes the legal from different countries to form a dynamic between academia and the industry. It the opportunity to connect with BASF scientists University: BASF is a very good partner framework of R&D collaborations with the collaborative platform for exchanging ideas With hands-on experience through the motivates scientists, postdocs and students and be part of experiments from raw materials for us with its longstanding interest universities thus facilitating the access and co-creating new solutions. For academic NAO projects, postdoc students have the to contribute their value and work together to final products in BASF labs, which is very in fundamental research applied for between BASF researchers and academia in researchers, BASF's know-how of the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas to discover solutions to real and important different from the academic labs and theoretical particularly innovative products. Asia. industry and market trends, as well as its with BASF researchers and professors from problems. Postdocs and students can models that I am familiar with. I am working rich experience in translating research results top universities and institutes, helping lay develop their skills and become better in an interdisciplinary and cross-country team Prof. Yongfeng Men, Changchun Open Research – a triple win for into products and processes, means a lot to the foundation to become potential industry prepared for their future career through their for this project where cooperation and idea Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), participants them. "Open Research provides a channel researchers. Xiaohui Li had successfully experience working with BASF. exchange are keys to the success. Chinese Academy of Science: BASF is a As part of BASF’s global collaborative between industry and academia,” said Prof. developed his scientific and personal great innovation partner. Scientists at BASF network with the scientific community, NAO Yongfeng Men, Changchun Institute of competencies within NAO during his Prof. Feng Qiu, Fudan University: Our Iuliia Konko, a new member of the NAO know exactly what the most important pre- aims to foster open innovations by providing Applied Chemistry (CIAC), Chinese Academy postdoc, and was hired at BASF in Shanghai NAO project gives our students great family who is conducting a postdoc competition research topics are, and how a regional platform for BASF scientists to of Science. “Collaborating with BASF helps in January 2016. "NAO is like a bridge training to learn the standard operation research project at Changchun Institute to translate the research results into the work together with academics from top Asian in the justification of our research directions, between the universities and the company, procedure of solving technical challenges of Applied Chemistry: the project I am industry processes with communication universities on material science, modeling and translates research results to products also connecting my past experience with within a business context. It also offers a working on perfectly matches with my with the research partners in the university. and synthesis methods. and industry processes. This brings a great future career opportunities," he said.
28 BASF information BASF information 29 People Column
lessons in the classroom and helps them better Lin Guoxin, “This will facilitate the healthy Roots Operators: adapt to a multi-language and multi-culture development of all training sessions, work environment in the future and develop a accelerate our education level towards more international mindset. internationalization and better cultivate fostering the best apprentice professional talents.” According to Victor Lv, who is responsible for daily operations of the Roots Operators According to Mr. Lv, in addition to recruiting lad in working suits, moving among elements,” explained Dr. Lars Reichmann, the program, over the past year of the program’s schools from SPA, BASF is also proactively the various devices, students of former Vice President, Human Resources, implementation, in adhering to the concept of exploring ways to re-educate its employees. Cthe 2015 BASF Class were having Greater China, BASF. “Like a tree with strong “inviting in and extending out” BASF has been This summer, 30 operators working at the a lesson on chemical devices operation roots to grow and gain stability, they can start active in cooperating and communicating BASF plant took part in a summer camp when we visited the Shanghai Petrochemical a long and stable career in BASF and become “Roots Operators can with SPA and bbz Chemie to facilitate the organized by SPA especially for BASF, for “Like a tree with strong roots to Academy (SPA). In a large area were devices the foundation of BASF’s safe and highly make more Chinese smooth development of the Roots Operators further education and development at school. grow and gain stability, these and equipment that usually can only be seen efficient production network in China.” students experience program. BASF keeps in close contact with young talents committed to in the chemical factories. German ‘craftsmanship SPA and follows up on the dual-track training From cocoon to a butterfly operations in the chemical Although vocational education is no longer quality of both teachers and team leaders As the new generation pays more attention On a summer afternoon, Ruan Jialei, a post- novel in China, the quality of vocational spirit’, and set a good from BASF. Production experts from BASF to their career development when choosing a industry can start a long and 95 boy who had just finished his practical education varies in different places around example for vocational and employees graduated from SPA will go to job, salary is no longer the sole criterion. They stable career in BASF.” training session, smiled and asked, “Do I the country. In Germany, however, vocational the campus every month to audit the lessons dare to voice their ideas and face unknown education in China.” Dr. Lars Reichmann, the former Vice President, look like rustic in the working suit? But I have education has enjoyed a long history. Helmut of the BASF Class, discuss the teaching challenges, which is no doubt helpful to Human Resources, Greater China, BASF great sense of achievement every day.” Kohl, the former German Chancellor, even Dr. Xue Congjun, Vice President, Operations and Site Management at the Pudong and program with teachers, share with students improving their status of technical talents and called the dual-track vocational education Caojing sites, BASF Greater China the device operating principle and give them creating a broader platform for their growth. Dual-track vocational education forges mode the secret weapon of the country’s a general introduction about BASF. Education To 2015 “Roots Operators” craftsmanship spirit post-WWII rise. This cooperation between The successful collaboration between BASF officials from Jinshan District and teachers Speaking of why he chose the Roots BASF information: What do you In September 2015, 21 young people, all of a companies and schools can cultivate and SPA dates back more than a decade, and students from SPA are also invited to Operators program, Jialei said that apart expect of the first graduates from the similar age to Jialei, joined BASF’s new operator students’ specific skills based on companies’ when a BASF Class was initiated in 2005 visit the BASF Caojing site so that they can from BASF’s reputation as a global leading Roots Operators program during their apprentice program at SPA in Jinshan District, needs, combine practical skills and technical and 2006 at SPA with courses especially experience the clean production environment chemical company, he was attracted more internship and future career at BASF? Shanghai. At school, teachers usually call them knowledge required by companies with designed for BASF to support the ramp-up and the latest news of the site personally. by the training models and all the possibilities students of BASF Class. At BASF, the program theories and general knowledge taught by of the Caojing site. These activities in China will also be updated in his future career with the company. Dr. Xue SPA Principal Lin Guoxin: For SPA, goes by the name Roots Operators. schools, and therefore, stably provide good to bbz Chemie via regular conference calls noted that some of the students of the BASF we hope they can become qualified and professional talent. This valuable experience Now, based on previous cooperation with during which the feedback from bbz Chemie Class from 10 years ago have now become outstanding employees at BASF where they Roots Operators is the second Roots program in Germany could be leveraged in China to SPA, BASF engages bbz Chemie (a BASF’s is received. senior engineers and assistant managers – can demonstrate their professional skills and introduced by BASF in China following Roots make up the gap between school education specific education institute in Germany) to the backbone of BASF. create more value for the company. Laboratory. It aims to recruit students from and company needs as well as address the design training modules of Roots Operators. “We hope to invite some industry experts petrochemical schools with two years of possible unemployment of graduates. The training takes into consideration differences from companies with high professional “BASF’s emphasis on safety impresses me Dr. Xue Congjun: I hope they can make fundamental study experience. It provides them between the German and Chinese education levels who are enthusiastic about vocational most. Every person in charge of every device full use of the one-year internship to with one year of further studies on production- Roots Operators is a tailor-made, dual- systems with the focus on BASF’s needs and education to come to our school and will highlight safety rules and regulations,” earnestly learn professional knowledge related topics defined by BASF and a one- track vocational education program jointly in integrating the experiences and teaching give lectures or participate in the school’s added Jialei. “We must wear personal and skills and complete the transition year internship at the BASF site. Qualified undertaken by BASF and SPA. It fosters methods of the German apprentice programs academic construction,” said SPA Principal protection equipment properly in strict from students to operators. In addition, candidates will be hired as BASF production young production operators for BASF that are focused on practical experiences. accordance with EHS requirements before they must strictly comply with operating operators after finishing the program. through training, combining theory with entering plants. The international level of regulations and recognize BASF’s corporate practice. “Leveraging the same philosophy In addition, with the coordination of BASF, BASF is fully revealed in detail.” culture. I hope they can all join BASF in the “The idea for the Roots Operators apprentice of the renowned apprentice programs in SPA and bbz Chemie, teacher exchanges next year and through hard work they will program is based on our long-term need for a the Ludwigshafen headquarters and other are regularly held to broaden the teachers’ “Operators attached great importance to the be able to independently undertake more great number of well-trained production operators, international BASF sites, Roots Operators horizons and to continuously improve the company’s safety standards and life-long important jobs. especially for the new investment projects we provides both theoretical and practical tailor-made lessons and their international learning opportunities,” said Dr. Reichmann. are currently planning and implementing in training, preparing all candidates for a future levels. Students can gain more practical “BASF’s employee learning and development Dr. Lars Reichmann: We expect them to Jinshan and Pudong, in addition to the needs of job in one of the BASF’s modern chemical operating experience and be confident that programs, as well as experienced colleagues, continue to learn during their journey with the existing plants,” said Dr. Xue Congjun, Vice sites in China,” said Dr. Reichmann. they will become qualified operators after will support these young talents from the BASF. They have already shown their good President Operations and Site Management, at completing the training. Roots Operators program to further develop performance and their eagerness to learn the Pudong and Caojing sites, Greater China. “We believe Roots Operators can make themselves. They also have the opportunity during the time at school and now they will “It is estimated that Roots Operators will supply more Chinese students experience German By example, materials for “Chemical English” to transfer to other production sites that “We hope to invite some learn in a new environment in our sites, with five percent of the fresh blood for the front-line ‘craftsmanship spirit’, that is dedication and are jointly compiled by BASF and SPA. They BASF has around China. industry experts from our colleagues. If they will be as committed production operator team of BASF Pudong site continuous improvement,” added Dr. Xue. cover both intensive reading and extensive companies with high to learn and engage in the BASF activities and Caojing site every year.” “The program can not only create an all-win reading and highlight those related to devices Roots Operators is only the first stop of the and from experienced and committed BASF situation for BASF, the school and students, and technologies of BASF. The Chemical professional levels who are professional careers for these young people. colleagues at the sites as they were in SPA, “Through the Roots Operators program, we will but also sets a good example for vocational Device Operation course is a practical training enthusiastic about vocational Soon, Jialei and his classmates will enter the this will be a very successful start into their support more young talents who are committed education in China.” session especially designed on the discussions real battlefield. He has pictured his future education to come to our BASF career. Our colleagues will be more to operations in the chemical industry by among BASF, SPA and bbz Chemie. This blueprint in his mind for long, “I will study school and give lectures.” than happy to have them around as new and providing them with a professional education Internationalization of school-company close collaboration enables students to acquire hard and become be a production supervisor well-qualified members of the BASF family. that also includes a lot of practical training cooperation professional skills needed in practice through Lin Guoxin, SPA Principal as soon as possible!”
30 BASF information BASF information 31 Responsible Care Column
contributions made by Responsible Care, and According to Zhang, in order to exchange Promoting Responsible Care in China have committed to the system. We feel very BASF Emergency Response know-how, as much encouraged.” well as to foster further cooperation within the Transportation Accident Information and Care about neighbors and communities Emergency Response System – a network building a strong emergency response team Care in the country’s chemical industry. Increasing community awareness is important formed by government entities and companies to further promote the implementation of for practicing Responsible Care in the chemical in Germany – BASF invited delegates from the Responsible Care in the China chemical industry. As a key member of the CPCIF, ICCA and industry. BASF actively communicates with Shanghai Administration of Work Safety to visit the Association of International Chemical the community where it operates, maintains BASF Ludwigshafen in 2015. There, they shared The start of Responsible Care in China Manufacturers (AICM), BASF actively promotes information transparency, conducts open the rich experience of BASF’s fire-control team As a co-initiator of the Responsible Care Global Responsible Care in China. It plays an important dialogues, supports the construction with more than 100 years’ history and exploring Charter, BASF was among the first multinational role in the areas of emergency response, “We hope to lead the of communities, and assumes social the emergency response mechanism for companies to share the concept with the Chinese dissemination of chemical-related laws and responsibilities. chemicals. implementation of high EHS government and the nation’s companies. regulations, and public communication. BASF’s standards in China’s chemical outstanding performances have been recognized BASF has 84 Community Advisory Panels When they returned to Shanghai, the In 2008, Zhang Dejiang, who was the Chinese by the relevant authorities throughout the country. industry, improve transparency “More and more companies (CAPs) globally, primarily at larger production delegation immediately began working on the Vice Premier at that time, visited BASF in and communication with our sites. Consisting of individuals who live near a implementation of the emergency response in China’s chemical Ludwigshafen during his visit to Germany. Dr. In 2014, BASF was granted the “Responsible neighbors, improve emergency chemical facility and who represent the fabric of mechanism, and asked BASF to provide relevant industry have realized the Jürgen Hambrecht, who was Chairman of Care Organization Award” by CPCIF. The the community, a CAP is a forum for open and support to improve the knowledge of dangerous response capabilities, and benefit contributions made by the Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE, following year, BASF received the “Responsible transparent dialogue between citizens and plant chemicals and emergency-response capabilities the industrial parks where we introduced in detail what the company had Care Chairman Award” by AICM. In Taiwan, Responsible Care, and management. In Greater China, BASF supports of relevant personnel. achieved in regard to Responsible Care. a BASF site received an award from the local operate and the residents of the have committed to the CAPs in Shanghai, Chongqing, Nanjing and municipal government for its great contribution neighboring communities.” Taiwan. With the support of the Shanghai Fire system. We feel very much In the 1960s and 1970s, Germany’s Rhine to Responsible Care, while a site in Shanghai Department, BASF cooperated with Shanghai He Xinyuan, encouraged.” River was polluted by industrial waste water. was named the “Advanced Enterprise for Energy Chief Representative, Shanghai, BASF (China) Co., Ltd. Through CAP, BASF regularly conducts open Chemical Industry Park Administrative Mannheim and the Ruhr Industrial Site were Saving and Emission Reduction”. That same Charlie Zhang, dialogues and Site Open Days. In addition to Committee and its fire brigade to establish its Head of Responsible Care, Greater China, BASF shrouded in fog and haze, and incidents year, the BASF site in Nanjing was nominated by project briefings and operations introductions, own professional fire prevention team within the occurred frequently at chemical plants. Nanjing Chemical Industrial Park as one of the Furthermore, BASF fully leverages its technical BASF also organizes discussions on topics plant, experimenting with new measures and most advanced units in the area of safety. know-how and keeps innovating in fire-fighting he deadly explosion at Tianjin port in 2015 relating to the interest of local communities, approaches, and establishing best practices in With the adoption of the concept of Responsible and fire protection to improve fire protection did a great deal to raise public awareness such as environment, safety and employment, emergency response. Care by BASF and other German chemical In September 2015, Dr. Kurt Bock, Chairman capabilities globally. in fire prevention and safety management maintaining relationships with local communities T companies as one of their key development of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE, in China. and enhancing mutual trust. In September 2015, a national-level ® strategies, the polluted water began to become presided over the Responsible Care Global Charter Fire prevention helmets made of Ultrason comprehensive drill on special equipment safety ® clear, and the once-hazy sky turned blue Signing Ceremony in Shanghai. Documents signed and Ultramid thermoplastics are light and Yet, 30 years ago, the international chemical BASF has a stringent EHS self-supervision was conducted at BASF’s Caojing site. It was the gradually. The casualty rate in incidents at BASF by more than 400 Chinese chemical enterprises comfortable to wear. This helmet has a working industry was already thinking about the impact of and appraisal system and a sound emergency first time that the Shanghai municipal government plants decreased, from an average of more than were delivered from CPCIF to ICCA, underlining temperature of up to 220°C, has excellent industrial chemical accidents on the environment. response system. It regularly conducts internal had held such a synergistic drill between 20 fatalities annually in the 1970s to zero after the collective commitment of Chinese chemical inherent flammability properties and good In 1985, the Canadian government initiated training on dangerous goods emergency government and companies in a chemical 2000 due to the process safety. companies to Responsible Care. impact strength, helping to protect the head the idea of Responsible Care. In 1992, the response. Moreover, it has established a long- production facility. More than 100 participants, and neck of firefighters from falling debris, International Council of Chemical Associations term and extensive exchange mechanism with from the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP) Vice Premier Zhang showed strong interest in “Responsible Care has helped to establish hence protecting their lives. Thanks to Ultrason’s (ICCA) gradually started promoting this concept the external environmental protection authorities, Emergency Response Center, Medical Rescue Responsible Care after listening to the BASF the standards in the global chemical industry,” high light transmission, firefighters can see the worldwide; multinational chemical companies, one fire prevention authorities and chemical industrial Center and BASF, attended. presentation. Upon returning to China, he said Charlie Zhang, Head of Responsible Care, surroundings clearly through the transparent after another, began incorporating Responsible parks, sharing its EHS management and practice started, and eventually facilitated, the China Greater China, BASF. “Through years of efforts face mask even in harsh conditions. Care into their business-development goals and experience with peers and neighboring chemical Advanced equipment makes contribution Petroleum and Chemical Industry Association made by BASF, more and more companies business policies. companies. In 2015, for example, BASF shared In 2015, BASF donated a specially designed (CPCIF) to launch and promote Responsible in China’s chemical industry have realized the The high-pressure firefighting hose made with best practices in Responsible Care with EHS environmental protection vehicle equipped with BASF’s Elastollan® thermoplastic polyurethane Responsible Care is a program voluntarily management from multiple Chinese chemical specific instruments to monitor air pollutants lasts longer and resists punctures and abrasions. initiated by the global chemical industry where companies in the Shanghai Jinshan Second to the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP) Elastollan® is applied on the top and hot-melt participating companies are committed to Industrial Zone. in Caojing, supporting the SCIP Administrative lining layers of the hose. Elastollan® provides improving their performance in protecting Committee to conduct better daily environmental an impressively high burst-pressure rating, yet environment, health and safety (EHS), as well as “BASF actively fulfills corporate social monitoring and emergency handling. it also ensures a high degree of flexibility for disclosing information about their products and responsibility and supports government kink resistance and ease of coiling. It can also processes to stakeholders, thus building a new authorities in the areas of safety and In Chongqing, BASF donated a brand new be stored wet without rotting and can resist image of the chemical industry in the society, environmental protection,” said He Xinyuan, hazmat truck – a firefighting engine customized exposure to sunlight and chemicals. and driving the sustainable development of the Chief Representative, Shanghai, BASF (China) to handle different types of hazardous materials global chemical industry. Co., Ltd. “We hope to lead the implementation of – to the public firefighting station at Changshou “Advanced and reliable technical equipment high EHS standards in China’s chemical industry, Economic & Technological Development ensures the improvement of emergency response As a practitioner and advocator of Responsible improve transparency and communication with Area (where BASF Chongqing MDI plants are handling capabilities,” said Haibing Yue, Manager, Care, BASF leads by example in China, our neighbors, improve emergency response located) for containing, collecting and cleaning Emergency Response, Responsible Care, Greater practicing the principles in the company’s daily capabilities, and benefit the industrial parks up hazardous materials, particularly dangerous China, BASF. “Only in this way can the emergency operations. Moreover, BASF assists relevant where we operate and the residents of the chemicals. It was the first such vehicle owned by response team have good protection and handle government agencies and communities in Dr. Kurt Bock presided over the Responsible Care Global Charter Signing Ceremony in Shanghai. neighboring communities.” a public firefighting station in Changshou. emergencies more effectively.”
32 BASF information BASF information 33 150th Anniversary Column
Dark horses in the laboratory 150 years of BASF
For both BASF and Adam Lu, who joined the dream coming true” may be recorded in the Innovation, based on knowledge and 3 themes: company three years ago, 2015 marked a BASF history. technology, has been the driving force Urban Living, year of opportunities and challenges. in the growth of BASF during the past Smart Energy, Cross-department cooperation 150 years. From the revolution in food Food An invitation letter from Germany at the end Adam attributed his inspiration to a common production brought about through the of last year still lies in Adam’s email box. experiment conducted during his daily Haber-Bosch process to our most recent Global tour: Along with his teammates, Adam was invited routine. After discussion with Lucy Cai, Scott research efforts on energy-efficiency • 6 Creator SpaceTM tour stops: Mumbai, themes. About 35,000 employees worldwide by BASF’s top management to attend the Shuai and Jerry Shen, who also worked in optimization, we help all industries to meet Shanghai, New York, São Paulo, Barcelona, voted on more than 500 projects to generate final pitch for the Urban Living Idea Contest the Shanghai lab, they hit it off instantly and the demands of today and tomorrow with Ludwigshafen 150 winners. Eight projects from Greater China in Ludwigshafen, the company headquarters decided to start preparations of the proposal science and innovation. • 3 Science Symposia: Ludwigshafen, were among the winners. “What I really like in Germany. for the Idea Contest. Chicago, Shanghai To celebrate 150 years of BASF, in 2015 • 1.4 million visitors at 50 co-creation The “IBIN smart dustbin” project, co-developed about this idea is the The contest was a co-creation program "The team atmosphere of our lab has always we organized an around-the-world tour activities in 25 countries by BASF employees and IFINE, a Shanghai- team spirit behind launched by BASF during its 150th been good. We love to discuss the problems bringing together the creativity and minds of based non-profit organization committed to it. Their proposal anniversary year, where employees around and difficulties during our R&D work," said scientists, customers, employee and partners The global corporate volunteering contest promoting waste management in cities, was succeeded because the world were encouraged to submit Jerry. "Others’ directions can often enlighten to explore and discuss cutting-edge trends "Connected to Care", an important part of one of the winners. The team designed a TM of its originality and creative ideas on the topics of “air, transport you." in science to “co-create” solutions to tackling Creator Space , connected ideas, discussions smart dustbin with a voice-recognition module and water”. After a round of voting, followed future challenges. and activities during the anniversary year. In the to coach people on how to segregate waste interdisciplinary by idea selections by a panel of experts, 10 Encouragement for the project was in competition, BASF employees teamed up with correctly and to raise their awareness and collaborations.” teams qualified for the final pitch wherein they abundance. Sébastien Garnier, former colleagues, friends, family members and a non- develop their habits in waste segregation. In would present their ideas directly to the jury Senior Manager Care Materials Research, profit organization to propose local, charitable June 2016, the smart dustbin was produced Dr. Piyada Charoensirisomboon, Vice President, Innovation Campus Asia composed of the BASF board of executive BASF, had greatly encouraged his teams projects related to one of the three anniversary and debuted to the public. Pacific (Shanghai), BASF directors and Presidents. to participate in the Idea Contest from the beginning and supported its further The idea proposal of “how to save water during development. He helped the team improve a busy time began: three workshops "Taking part in activities that seem not challenges lie ahead. However, with the washing”, submitted by Adam and his team their proposal and the planning of the next took place in Shanghai, Wyandotte and relevant to our daily work truly benefitted us necessary resources and support, we are all members, stood out among the 142 ideas step. "We should evaluate the commercial Ludwigshafen to gather ideas on how a lot," said Jerry. Both Adam and Jerry joined very optimistic about its future." collected globally. On the stage during the feasibility of the overall business model of to save water during washing. "It was the preparations for the Shanghai session of final pitch, they were the youngest team on this project and technically focus on the amazing how many colleagues worldwide BASF’s Global Science Symposium. "Taking BASF is committed to fostering a culture the day. Their idea, however, was recognized product development with a more specific contributed with their ideas and expertise, a break from pure product R&D helps us to of innovation in Asia Pacific by constantly and appreciated by the audience, winning not direction," said Garnier. in order to support Adam and his team", know other aspects of the industry. This is expanding its research facilities. In 2012, only the highest honor but also the financial said Claudia Staudt, Senior Manager Care also an opportunity that BASF gives to young the Innovation Campus Asia Pacific sponsorship to implement their project. After passing the preliminary selection, Materials Research, BASF. "Together, with people." in Shanghai was inaugurated and in they immediately involved more colleagues the colleagues from the business unit, we November 2015 completed its phase II The team regarded their experience of from the Care Chemicals business unit will foster evaluation and clustering of the At BASF Creator Space™ science expansion. With the research focused th participating in the celebration of BASF 150 and researchers in Singapore to perfect ideas to enable the team starting with the symposium, top scientists and urban on advanced materials and systems, it is anniversary as an incredible adventure. Their the proposal. "During the preparation, our technical feasibility." designers gathered in Shanghai to share and emerging as an important global research success from “just an abstract idea” to “a close cooperation and communication with exchange their latest insights on sustainable hub that connects with local customers colleagues from the business unit provided us "What I really like about this idea is not urban life. "This is the first time for me to meet and academia partners. lab technicians with the opportunity to get to how perfect it has been, but the team spirit so many academic giants. There were even know first-hand market insights of products. behind it," said Piyada Charoensirisomboon, Nobel Prize winners. The spirited discussion "We have been encouraging our researchers It broadened our horizon and mindset and Vice President of Innovation Campus Asia provided us with a lot of inspiration," Jerry to better utilize the labs and world-class made our proposal more consistent with the Pacific (Shanghai), BASF. "These young said. "Interaction among multiple platforms facilities at the Innovation Campus to market requirements with more business colleagues are really leveraging our regional also expanded our connections, which hatch ideas, and to form interdisciplinary prospects," Jerry said. research platform to connect with people helped us to participate in the Idea Contest partnerships for creative solutions," said and get inspired. Their proposal succeeded and become the final winners." Piyada. She believes that Asia Pacific will "We were like dark horses in the lab," Adam because of its originality and interdisciplinary present more innovative ideas and solutions said of the win. "We are certainly lucky, but I collaborations." Grow with BASF to meet the regional and global common believe it is not pure luck. We studied relevant After being crowned the winners of the Urban challenges in the near future. documents and made great efforts after our Interaction among platforms Living Idea Contest, the team has now been daily routine work in the lab. Our colleagues In addition to becoming the superstars of the granted with the financial support to make "These innovative products will probably be from different departments also helped a lot. Urban Living Idea Contest, the team, who the project move forward. "Loads of work launched to the market in a few years," said The award belongs to the whole team." usually can be found in the labs, actively took still needs to be done to make our vision Adam. "I will be proud to tell my family and part in many of the other activities celebrating come true. We need to conduct a deeper friends that this is the result of my work very th Winner team of the Urban Living Idea Contest (from left to right): Scott Shuai, Jerry Shen, Shushu Ding, Dr. Parag Kulkarni, Lucy Cai and Adam Lu. After Adam and his team won the contest, BASF’s 150 anniversary. market research," said Adam. "Numerous soon after I began my career at BASF."
34 BASF information BASF information 35 Science around us | Innovations from BASF illustratively explained
The organic red pigments that BASF manufactures consist enough to reduce light scattering to an absolute minimum mainly of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, and belong to but large enough to provide a high degree of stability.” the class of diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPPs). Blue and green BASF has honed the technology almost to perfection with pigments are phthalocyanine metal complex compounds. its products. The color particles in the latest generation The raw product produced through chemical synthesis is of the Irgaphor® Red product suite are smaller than 0.00004 mainly composed of irregular particles. They must then be millimeters, and have double the contrast performance of brought into the ideal size and shape. This is done by a their predecessors. process called pigment finishing. Crystals that are too small are dissolved and precipitated onto the larger crystals. Tomorrow’s television screens will have to meet even Crystals that are too large are broken into smaller pieces higher expectations in terms of resolution and color purity. by a mechanical process until the balance is right. Dr. Roman In anticipation of the new demands, Lenz and his colleagues Lenz, BASF lab team leader in charge of new color filter are taking their lab experiments one step further. Their aim is material synthesis, explained: “Our technology gives us to find new materials that will show colors in an even more Science around us color particles of 20 to 40 nanometers – small natural light.
these three primary colors. The colors are composed of tiny crystals about a thousand How a pixel gets its colors Some technical terms about liquid times smaller in diameter than a human crystal display technology hair. The crystals act as a filter for the white A single display contains millions of picture elements, better known as pixels. The resolution is a measure of image sharpness, backlight and only allow light waves from a selected range of the visible spectrum to on off off based on the total number of pixels. Full HD (high pass through. These light waves show one Light definition) TV screens have a resolution of 2nd polarization filter 1920 x 1080 pixels, or more than two million red, of the three colors in its purest possible form. Liquid crystal Light scattering/ display (LCD) depolarization The filters block all the other wavelengths. “A Color filter blue, and green pixels. good pigment has a significant impact on the Transparent electrodes Liquid crystals are substances that combine brilliance of the colors the viewer sees,” said Liquid crystals some of the properties of liquids and crystals. Transparent electrodes Dr. Hans Reichert, head of colorants research Their alignment is controlled by electrical fields. at BASF. 1st polarization filter Backlight Liquid crystals control the color accuracy of the
Only red is visible. Green and blue are blocked, i.e. deactivated. display. “Although perfect color selection is not The contrast is the difference between the Dr. Hans Reichert (center), head of colorants research at BASF, reviews application samples of feasible with absorbing materials, we come Switching the color filters on and off is the job of the liquid crystals the red color filter pigment with colleagues Ger de Keyzer (left) and Dr. Roman Lenz (right). attached to them. Arranged in a helical formation, the crystals rotate the brightest and darkest possible state of a subpixel. fairly close to perfection with our red filters.” oscillation plane of the light wave so that it can pass through the second To achieve high contrast, a subpixel needs to be Color purity also has an impact on the polarization filter. When an electrical field is applied, the liquid crystals Each individual pixel is composed of red, align themselves parallel to it. The second polarization filter stops the as dark as possible when switched off. range of colors available. The greater the green, and blue subpixels that can be switched light from passing through. LCD stands for liquid crystal display and is purity of the three primary colors, the more on and off, one by one. Flat screens show a collective term for liquid crystal displays in permutations that can be achieved by mixing If light, which has been scattered and depolarized by the crystals, leaks them – and the more colorful the image. through a deactivated subpixel, colors and contrasts suffer. The smaller devices of all kinds, including watches, TVs, each pigment particle is, the less the likelihood of this unwanted effect smartphones, and tablets. and the higher the image quality. their true colors The basic principle is simple. When the LED stands for light-emitting diode. Most LCD color red appears on the screen, the televisions on sale today use LED as the white Innovative pigments from BASF corresponding subpixel lets the red portion control the process mainly by managing the Lenz, BASF lab team leader in charge of new backlight for the screen. Even if the screen is of light pass through and absorbs the rest. conditions in which pigment crystallization color filter material synthesis, explained: “Our completely black, the backlight still shines. 3 improve television image quality The other two subpixels – for blue and green takes place. The underlying molecular technology gives us color particles of 20 to A light wave is an electromagnetic wave emitted – are deactivated when this happens. If, structure is what determines which parts of 40 nanometers – small enough to reduce by a light source. It oscillates in all directions. colors are required for high-quality screen images on the other hand, light penetrates through the color spectrum are filtered out. light scattering to an absolute minimum but A pixel is also known as picture element. Pixels 16.7 million the red and green subpixel while the blue is with true color depth. large enough to provide a high degree of are the smallest image elements in displays. They deactivated, the colors combine to give a The organic red pigments that BASF stability.” BASF has honed the technology contain red, blue, and green pigments in their rich yellow. Fine-tuning the portions of the US dollars is the estimated value of the global flat manufactures consist mainly of carbon, almost to perfection with its products. The subpixels. The more pixels, the sharper and more 135 billion three primary colors in this manner produces nitrogen, and oxygen, and belong to the color particles in the latest generation of the screen market predicted for 2020. Source: fmi detailed the image. millions of hues. class of diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPPs). Blue Irgaphor® Red product suite are smaller than (future markets insight). A polarization filter only lets light waves through and green pigments are phthalocyanine 0.00004 millimeters, and have double the whose electrical field oscillates in a particular The liquid crystals fine-tune the blend of metal complex compounds. The raw product contrast performance of their predecessors. direction (polarization). 40 nanometers about a thousand times smaller than the diameter colors by twisting the plane of oscillation produced through chemical synthesis is of a human hair: the size of each color particle. of the light waves. “This determines the mainly composed of irregular particles. They Tomorrow’s television screens will have to A subpixel is the smallest possible unit of a liquid brightness and color of the subpixels,” said must then be brought into the ideal size meet even higher expectations in terms of crystal display. Each pixel is composed of three global annual sales growth for flat-panel Ger de Keyzer, in charge of applications and shape. This is done by a process called resolution and color purity. In anticipation of subpixels, one for each of the three primary displays until 2020. engineering for color filter materials at BASF. pigment finishing. Crystals that are too small the new demands, Lenz and his colleagues colors – red, blue, and green. “The liquid crystals change direction, and are dissolved and precipitated onto the are taking their lab experiments one step Ultra-HD stands for ultra-high definition. This LCD stands for liquid crystal display. Liquid in that way alter their optical properties larger crystals. Crystals that are too large are further. Their aim is to find new materials technology is also known as 4K. Ultra-HD crystals form the basis for billions of flat- depending on the voltage applied.” They broken into smaller pieces by a mechanical that will show colors in an even more devices deliver four times more pixels than HD rotate the plane of oscillation of light waves panel displays. The American, George H. process until the balance is right. Dr. Roman natural light. displays – about eight million. Heilmeier, unveiled the first monochrome to allow the light to pass through the second LCD monitor to the expert community in polarization filter. When an electrical field is 1968. Commercialization of the first color applied, however, the crystals prevent some “The energy efficiency of LCDs is color gets through, more white backlight you can’t create a sphere with crystals. A few grams of a red DPP-based color filter pigment immediately needs to travel through the pigment to be after synthesis in the lab. The pigment is produced by the ton monitors took another 20 years. Flat screen or all of the light from getting through. a product of the art of chemistry” following a production scale-up. TVs started sweeping the world in the 1990s, able to get an intense color experience. What new challenges will the television of mainly because of the availability of high- To ensure that subpixels switch on and off Interview with Dr. Christian Bosshard, Energy consumption rises. Ultimately, energy the future bring? athode ray tube television sets performance color filter materials. the way they are supposed to, it is essential President, Thin Film Optics, Swiss Research efficiency is a product of the art of chemistry. The color filter materials for the new 4K TVs are have long had their day. Flat screen to prevent interferences from the color filter and Development Center CSEM, Neuchâtel, 40 nanometers in diameter, which is already CTVs now provide energy-efficient, The images on a liquid crystal display with pigments. Any interferences resulting in Switzerland. What part does chemistry play, exactly? small enough and homogeneous enough to low-emission entertainment in three out of the standard resolution are made up of about scattering and depolarization of light will The molecules forming the color-filtering produce high-quality images. Performance allow the light to pass uncontrolled through four German households, according to the two million picture elements, better known Energy efficiency is an important issue with crystals need to be distributed such that they expectations will probably be even higher for the as pixels. The color filter pigments attached the filter. This contaminates the colors and Federal Statistical Office. And this figure smartphones. How can pigments help liquid absorb exactly the light that they’re supposed next generation of 8K TVs, the first prototypes of is rising, Germans are estimated to have to the liquid crystal cells are what give each compromises the contrast. crystal display devices to use less power? to. However, they should not scatter any light, which have been unveiled. Still, we have to ask purchased eight million flat screen television pixel its color. Screen contrast and color The greater the capacity of color filters to because scattering is one of the ways light ourselves where the limits are. Improvement in sets in 2015, most of which are LCDs. LCD purity remain a challenge, however. Smaller the better cut out a selected part of the color spectrum gets lost. This means designing nanoparticle one area often entails deterioration in another. technology is also the basis for many other “A good rule of thumb is: The smaller and and let that light pass completely through, synthesis conditions inhibit crystal growth. The The smaller the color particles, for instance, the contemporary communication devices, Pigment properties make all the more regular the crystals, the lower the including smartphones, laptops and tablets. difference scattering and the better the LCD image the more they will help in cutting electricity smaller and more regular the particles, the less less stable they will be. At the end of the day, it’s After all, with experts forecasting six percent Red, green, and blue: Every pixel contains quality,” de Keyzer said. Researchers consumption. If, say, only 50 percent of the scattering you get. A sphere would be ideal, but all about finding the right balance.
36 BASF information BASF information 37 Interaction
Explore the wonders of chemistry Find out more without leaving home
Since its 2002 debut in China, the BASF Kids’ Lab has become a must-go If you would like to know more about the topics covered in event each summer for children aged 6 to 12. In a cozy and safe atmosphere, this issue of BASF information, please use the following links. children do new experiments by themselves, discover the wonders of chemistry, and learn how to protect the environment in a creative way and improve quality of life. Feedback
Building on the enthusiasm, to offer children throughout China the chance to experience the fun of chemical experiments anytime and anywhere, the Virtual Lab was launched in June 2016.
To find out more about BASF’s new corporate campaign film, visit: www.wecreatechemistry.com
From kids: • Looking for the Sender is the most fun. I learnt how to separate different colors, just like a detective. From parents: • I have done the experiment Cleaning Dirty • Experiments in the Virtual Lab are Water in the Science and Technology Museum. all based on real ones. Kids are guided In the Virtual Lab, however, I can do the with interesting stories. Children can learn experiments any time I want. It is like I am To find more about BASF Automotive To find more about BASF Crop Protection To find more about BASF Performance from the fun. Good! having my own laboratory. And after solutions, visit: www.automotive.basf.com solutions, visit: www.agro.basf.com Materials, visit: • When I accompanied my kid to participate in www.performance-materials.basf.com completing different levels, I can get Kids’ Lab in the past, I could only wait and watch a badge. This is more fun and him. Now with this online version I can do the rewarding. Welcome to the BASF Virtual Kids’ Lab! experiments with my kid, refresh my chemistry How did you like BASF I have prepared three popular Kid’s knowledge and grow up together with him. information? Lab experiments for you. Thanks for this big surprise and all the They are Cleaning Dirty efforts BASF has made in promoting BASF information Thank you for taking the time to read this publication. We welcome your opinions Water, the Red Stain science education to a young and feedback, and would appreciate Published by: Corporate Affairs Greater China, BASF Devil and Looking for the generation. your response to our short reader Editor in chief: Juliana Ernst questionnaire. Sender. Editors: Ling Cao, Jamie Zhu, Elaine Yang Simply fill out the questionnaire and be Publishing date: October, 2016 entered in a draw to win a flash disk • In Cleaning Dirty Water, Game recommendation: Looking for the Sender specially designed for Lunar Year of you will gain knowledge of the Monkey. You have received an Step 2: Dot the filter paper water-recycling process and learn about Contact us the importance of saving water. invitation to a birthday Make a dot on the filter paper with each • Red Stain Devil explores the secret of party. Unfortunately, the sender's name of the felt-tip pens. Then drizzle a bit of Corporate Affairs Greater China, BASF laundry and how color-care detergent is not on the invitation. So how do you color from the invitation next to it. e-mail: [email protected] functions. know who has invited you? You have three • In Looking for the Sender, you can act candidates. Can you find out who is the Step 3: Wet the filter paper Any unauthorized copying, editing and using of the images and texts are sender based on their pens? Wet the paper with the beaker so that it forbidden. All the rights are reserved by BASF information. as detectives to find who has sent an Access to online questionnaire: becomes saturated with water. You can anonymous invitation with the help of on.basf.com/2bDuOoR Preparation affix the filter paper to the beaker with the chromatography. Prize draw terms and conditions: Please prepare: three felt-tip pens, a pair stick and the paper clip. Follow us On submitting a completed entry, you will of scissors, a shallow glass bowl, a large automatically be entered into a draw for this The experiments in the Virtual Lab will be You can find this publication at www.basf.com and scan the codes (below) prize. The winner will be notified by email beaker, a stick and paper clip, a pipette Step 4: Look at the color pattern and updated continuously. to visit our website and follow us on social media for an easy access. within 28 days of the closing date. The closing and filter paper. find the sender date for entries is December 31, 2016. The Let’s explore and have fun in the world competition is not open to employees of of chemistry! The felt-tip pen colors are water-soluble. BASF or participating companies. No cash Step 1: Get the pen color from the paper If they come into contact with water the alternative will be offered. No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, delayed or Cut the invitation into small pieces and individual colors will dissolve, run across mislaid. Entry in the prize draw is restricted to Scan the code to find put it in the water-filled container. The the paper with the water and form unique entrants of 18 years of age or over. BASF’s out more about BASF decision is final and it is a condition of entry to Virtual Kid’s Lab. Get a color will separate from the paper and patterns. If the patterns are the same, any competition that the entrant agrees to be better experience on a float in the water. they come from the same pen. bound by these rules. tablet.
38 BASF information 210x297mm-让动力爱上出行-EN.pdf 1 2015/6/16 15:16:37
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