New Steron coating from BASF
A pilot facility at German chemicals company BASF’s Ludwigshafen plant has started producing its new Steron coating.
The coating can be used on a variety of surfaces to produce a high-quality finish. According to the company, its best asset is breathability – whether it is used for high-quality leather car interiors, upholstered furniture or fashion footwear, thus offering greater comfort. The production process is said to be cost-effective and can be used on leather, fleece and woven fabrics, plastic and wood.
The company is planning to use its pilot coatings facility to develop the technology – developed by Philipp Schaefer – further, and to work with customers in modifying the process for individual applications and needs.
In order to coat a surface with the technology, an aqueous formulation of pigmented polyurethanes is first sprayed upon a silicone matrix. Most of the water evaporates, leaving a gossamer-thin membrane with micro-fine pores. While still on the matrix, the membrane is then adhered to the surface and the finished product is lifted from the matrix.
