CoverForm for One-Step Scratch Resistance

• New, economical process for scratch-resistant coating of plastics surfaces

• System solution from Evonik Röhm and KraussMaffei being presented for the first time at K 2007

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Darmstadt, Germany - PMMA has the highest surface hardness and scratch resistance of all thermoplastics. Despite this, PMMA components are still provided with an additional scratch-resistant layer for particularly demanding applications with stringent requirements for a hard surface.

Evonik Industries has now developed a one-step process together with KraussMaffei for the scratch-resistant coating of PMMA moldings. In the new CoverForm process, coating is performed directly in the injection mold. That saves time and costs − previously the coating had to be subsequently applied. CoverForm dispenses with this time-consuming process. It is a system solution consisting of PLEXIGLAS^® CF molding compounds, a specially developed multicomponent reactive system on an acrylate base that is distinguished by perfect adhesion, paired with the relevant machine technology from KraussMaffei.

A one-step process

Using a metering process for small quantities developed by KraussMaffei, the KM 80-380 CX injection molding machine injects the liquid multicomponent reactive system into the cavity. In the subsequent compression step, the coating is evenly distributed over the surface of the molding. Cover layers less than 50 µm thick can be obtained. The coating cures inside the mold to the extent that the part can be easily demolded. A laminar flow box over the clamping unit of the injection molding machine ensures a dust2free environment and excludes contamination of the components. After the component is removed from the mold, the scratch-resistant coating is cured by means of UV radiation.

… for a quantum leap into the future

Fabricators throughout the world rely on PLEXIGLAS^® molding compound in the automotive and lighting industry, optics and communications, and in the display market, wherever high brilliance, transparency and excellent surface properties are required. The most convincing features of this material are its extremely good transmission of more than 92 percent, low birefringence (≤ 20 nanometers) and absolute freedom from color, which are particularly prized in transparent applications.

The new CoverForm system solution cuts fabrication costs for scratch-resistant coated plastic parts because there is no need for subsequent coating. CoverForm is the technology of the future, both in terms of cost-efficiency and performance.

Image:

CoverForm: Scratch-resistant surfaces for the highest requirements

(A high-res image is available at: www.degussa-photodatabase.com.)

Company information:

The Methacrylates Business Unit of Evonik Industries is a worldwide manufacturer of PMMA products sold under the PLEXIGLAS^® trademark on the European, Asian, African and Australian continents and under the trademark ACRYLITE^® in the Americas.

Evonik Industries is the creative industrial group which operates in three highly profitable, promising business areas: Chemicals, Energy and Real Estate. Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals, an expert in power generation from hard coal and renewable energies, and one of the largest private residential real estate companies in Germany. Our strengths are creativity, specialization, continuous self-renewal, and reliability.

Evonik Industries is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2006 around 43,000 employees generated sales of €14.8 billion and operating profit (EBIT) of over €1.2 billion. Evonik plans to enter the capital market in the first half of 2008.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release and where our forward-looking statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations and statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Evonik Industries AG assumes no obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.