Ludwigshafen, Germany -- Lightweight polyurethane-based components produced by BASF reinforce key bodywork and the back seating in the BMW Group’s new electric vehicle, according to the chemical company’s press release.
BASF said the vehicle’s self-supporting rear seat shell – which is made of Elastolit polyurethane – as well as the carbon sandwich composite roof which comprises the structural foam Elastolit D, represent the first time carbon fibres have been combined with a polyurethane matrix in serial vehicle production
Raimar Jahn, head of BASF’s Performance Materials division, said: “With the i3, the BMW Group has taken a ground-breaking step into the future of the automotive industry and BASF’s intelligent solutions are making a key contribution here.”
The self-supporting rear seat shell is made from BASF’s Elastolit polyurethane system and the crash-relevant parts of the vehicle meet BMW’s safety requirements, despite a wall thickness of just 1.4mm said the release.
Elastolit D polyurethane structural foam reinforces the entire roof frame including the A-pillar, it added.
The innovations are among a number utilising polyurethane technology, according to the press release.
BASF’s Elastoflex E, a semi-rigid polyurethane foam comprises the back foaming within the instrument panel and also the roof construction, used to provide improved interior acoustics said the release.
