Reinforced composite materials based on Baytubes® and aluminum powder offer entirely new design opportunities in lightweight construction. For example, CNT components have much higher mechanical strength, which, in turn, means they can be produced with much thinner walls and therefore weigh much less than their counterparts of non-reinforced aluminum. The tensile strength of this new class of materials is similar to that of steel, but it weighs only half as much because of the lower density. This qualifies it as an ideal lightweight alternative to steel in many demanding applications – for example in the manufacture of components for sports equipment or heavy-duty bolts and screws. With its high thermal conductivity it also has many potential applications in the energy, electrical and computer industries. "Cooling elements made of CNT-reinforced aluminum could dissipate the heat from electrical devices much more efficiently. This would make it possible, for example, to significantly increase the performance of processors and computers," says Schmid.

The length of the rotor blades in wind turbines is limited by their weight. Rotor blades manufactured from the new composite material based on carbon and glass fiber-reinforced epoxides with carbon nanotubes are 10 to 30 percent lighter and also much stronger than straight epoxy systems. The material's impact strength, for example, is 20 to 30 percent higher and its fatigue properties are 50 to 200 percent better. "Thanks to this outstanding set of properties, rotor blades made of this new composite material can be made longer, which significantly raises the output of wind power plants," noted Schmid.

About Bayer MaterialScience:
With 2007 sales of EUR 10.4 billion, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and the sports and leisure industries. At the end of 2007, Bayer MaterialScience had 30 production sites and employed approximately 15,400 people around the globe. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company.

For more information visit www.bayermaterialscience.com and www.baytubes.com.

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