Bayer polycarbonate rail transit solution mobilizes Brazil Olympic Games

PITTSBURGH, July 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Football (soccer) reigns supreme in Brazil with a nation full of passionate fans. With enthusiasm that often extends beyond game time, heavy-duty, impact-resistant polycarbonate sheet is becoming the go-to choice for railcar windows. In addition to its strength, lightweight polycarbonate sheeting, including Makrolon^® TG polycarbonate sheet from Bayer MaterialScience, offers good optical transparency, and high shock, breakage and explosion resistance. This combination of properties allows polycarbonate sheeting to be used to create high-quality, durable rail cars, bringing security to train passengers.

With its light weight (half that of common glass), polycarbonate sheeting can reduce a train's weight and enable it to use less energy, resulting in a smaller environmental impact. These attributes contributed to the use of polycarbonate sheeting for the first time in inter-city trains in Rio de Janeiro. The inter-city trains utilize polycarbonate sheets on side luggage racks and seat window shields, providing security while simultaneously enhancing design.

Polycarbonate sheet products from Bayer MaterialScience are widely used in other rail applications, such as doors, windows, interior decorations, seats and rail transit facilities. By using Makrolon^® TG polycarbonate sheet, manufactured in Sheffield, Massachusetts, owners and operators can substantially reduce expenses that would have been spent on maintenance and replacement if another material were used. Thermoplastic sheet from Bayer satisfies many needs for low smoke and flame retardancy, making it a secure and reliable material to use in rail transit applications.

Holly Lei, senior vice president, Bayer China, said: "This project was a result of the successful collaboration of many parties. The global experience of the Bayer rail transit team combined with the material expertise of Bayer resulted in a full technical exchange with CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd and proactive cooperation in sample manufacturing and delivering test reports. This led to the successful implementation of Bayer polycarbonate into this project."

The Brazilian Ministry of Transport signed on to a project with CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd for 100 series (400) EMU trains to be delivered from June 2011 to August 2015. The trains are designed with a speed of 100 km/h and passenger capacity of 1,300 people/train. These trains served the 2014 World Cup and will serve the 2016 Olympic Games, both in Rio de Janeiro. This is the first project in which China Rail Transit Corporation uses enhanced polycarbonate sheets for train windows, doors, luggage racks and seat window screens.

About Bayer MaterialScience:
With 2014 sales of EUR 11.7 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 sports and leisure industries. Bayer MaterialScience has 30 production sites around the globe and employed approximately 14,200 people at the end of 2014. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company. Sustainability is central to the company's business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

Contact:
Cindy Race, Phone: 413-528-7812
Email: [email protected]
General media inquiries can be directed to 412-777-5200.
For more information about Bayer MaterialScience LLC Makrolon^® polycarbonate sheet products, call 1-800-628-5084 or visit www.sheffieldplastics.com. 

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SOURCE Bayer MaterialScience LLC