December 1, 2024 – BASF has unveiled a groundbreaking PA/PPA blend, Ultramid® T7000, designed to bridge the market gap between PA66 and PPA, specifically tailored for replacing metal structural components. This innovative material, according to industry sources, boasts exceptional mechanical properties, outstanding dimensional stability, ease of injection molding, and a smooth surface finish, making it an ideal choice for structural parts in damp environments such as automotive rearview mirrors and air brake components. Moreover, BASF’s Ultrasim® simulation tool can further optimize these parts’ NVH performance, enhancing durability and reducing weight, ultimately leading to cost savings. Ultramid® T7000 is now globally available, with glass fiber-reinforced grades reaching up to 60% content, and more grades are expected to be introduced in the future.
In another significant development, BASF announced the launch of its new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) brand, Bajufu™, on November 29th, alongside major progress in the construction of its HDPE plant at the Zhanjiang Integrated Base. The brand name Bajufu™, a clever combination of the English words for “ethylene” and “plastic,” highlights its ease of use and BASF’s complete backward integration capability in the C2 value chain. The brand promises to produce high-quality, easily processable plastic products, backed by professional technical support. The HDPE plant at the Zhanjiang Integrated Base, which broke ground in 2023, is expected to have an annual capacity of 500,000 tons and is scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2025. This move not only addresses the growing demand for HDPE products in the Chinese market but also demonstrates BASF’s commitment to providing customers with premium products.