BASF inaugurates pilot facility for innovative coating technology

BASF has started operations in a pilot facility for Steron, a novel coating process, at its Ludwigshafen plant. This technology opens up a wide spectrum of possibilities for the surface coating of diverse carriers.

The BASF technology imparts a high-quality surface finish and can be produced cost-effectively, even in small amounts, which is useful when design decisions such as whether to use smooth or velvet, glossy or matte, a suede finish or a hint of elegant embossing, are involved.

BASF says a unique property of the Steron coating is its breathability. This ensures that coated materials offer more comfort on surfaces ranging from car seats to tennis racquet grips.

Inventor Philipp Schaefer developed the Steron coating process, which can be used on a wide range of carriers including fleece fabrics, woven fabrics, leather as well as wood or plastics to ensure an optically uniform design on different materials.

This is particularly useful for designers of vehicle interiors, who work to incorporate all elements from seat covers to the interior surfaces of the doors, into a homogenous look.

"We are pleased to be able to include Steron in BASF's service portfolio," said Dr Jrgen Weiser, project manager, new technologies at BASF's performance chemicals division. "With BASF's research and development expertise and infrastructure and its partnership with Philipp Schaefer, we can unfold the full innovative potential of this very promising new technology."