TAGS: Automotive Coatings Sustainability / Natural Coatings Industrial Coatings Science-based Formulation
Citroën and BASF unveil their all-electric concept car oli, a manifesto to how much can be saved by reducing weight and resource usage.
Protection Against Abrasion, UV & Chemicals
A special coating is applied to ensure an extra-long-life span. The water-based NovaCoat-P coating is ideal for protecting soft substrates against abrasion, UV radiation, dirt, and chemicals. And because the flooring is waterproof, it can be easily cleaned with water. This is where the integrated plugs made of Elastollan® come in handy, as they can be removed to drain water and dirt.
The weight of the vehicle exterior was also considerably reduced, while at the same time increasing stability and durability. The hood, roof, and trunk are made of panels combining the Elastoflex® polyurethane system and the Elastocoat® spray paint system.
Thanks to the honeycomb sandwich structure, these panels are so stable that you can even stand on them. This is part of the vehicle’s functionality.
Used for coating the car body, R-M® AGILIS® is another BASF product that provides greater sustainability. The water-based coating has a very low content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
BASF CathoGuard® 800 electrocoat, which protects the battery housing from corrosion, contributes to further resource savings. It stands out for its high performance and eco-friendliness as it is tin/HAPs-free and with low solvent content.
Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Future
The automotive manufacturer Citroën worked closely with BASF during development and design. Innovative solutions from the chemical company played a vital role in this co-creation endeavor. “
Projects such as the development of the concept car together with Citroën are a big boost on our way towards a more sustainable future,” explained Uta Holzenkamp.
The new components are designed and manufactured from materials from the same chemical product family. The principle of simplicity was also implemented during production. The oli concept car is proof of the fact that sustainability and an appealing design are not contradictory.
The color of the body perfectly conveys the concept of the car. At first glance it seems to be a pure white color, but mica particles have been added to emphasize the shape of the car. In contrast to the exterior, the materials of the interior, such as the seats and the flooring have been coated with an intense orange color.
High-performance TPU for Armrests & Floors
BASF has been pursuing an ambitious sustainability strategy for years now. Some of the major cornerstones of this strategy include the ChemCyclingTM project on improving the chemical recycling of plastics, as well as the biomass balance approach, in which fossil resources are replaced with renewables in production.
A high-performance plastic from BASF can be found in the rear armrests and the interior floor. Infinergy®, an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), is also used in running shoes and sports flooring. It is elastic like rubber, but lighter, robust, and highly resistant to abrasion.
In oli, the material provides a pleasant yet stable surface in armrests and floors. Plus, it dampens noise and vibrations.
Explore Water-based Range from BASF
Source: BASF