Eco-compliant blend for electronic/electrical applications:

Pittsburgh, June 10, 2008 — Bayer MaterialScience LLC (BMS) has developed a new class of eco-compliant, flame retardant Makroblend® polycarbonate / polyester blend resin.

Developed without the use of brominated or chlorinated FR additives or heavy metals, these grades are currently available in unfilled formulations with an excellent balance of flame resistance, toughness, chemical resistance and dimensional stability. Specifically, Makroblend DP EC100 offers V0/5VA at 3.0 mm and is being evaluated at 2.0 mm, while Makroblend DP EC150 is rated V0 at 0.75 mm and 5VA at 2.3 mm. In addition, Makroblend DP EC150 also offers low smoke density and good FAR25.853a test performance. Such properties make this new class of eco-compliant Makroblend resins well-suited for electrical/electronics (EE) and IT applications requiring improved fire resistance protection and compliance with global environmental standards. In addition, these grades are available in UV stabilized versions for use in a variety of outdoor EE and IT applications such as electrical enclosures.

The Makroblend EC family of resins has received Blue Angel certification, a German designation for products and services that are environmentally friendly. Furthermore, these resins are compliant with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) directives, meaning the grades meet standards for acceptable levels of lead, cadmium, mercury and other hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, as regulated by the European Union.

“Our new family of Makroblend EC resins is meeting a need in the marketplace for more environmentally friendly materials,” said Gerald DiBattista, market segment leader, IT, Electrical/Electronics Polycarbonates, BMS LLC. “This introduction is just the latest demonstration of how BMS is continuing its leadership in practicing and promoting sustainable chemistry.”

About Bayer MaterialScience
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with nearly 15,400 employees at 30 sites around the world and 2007 sales of 10.4 billion euros. 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, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Our inorganic basic chemicals unit produces chlorine and related essential products for the chemicals industry. Let us give life to your vision. Bayer MaterialScience – Where VisionWorks.

Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, an international health care, nutrition and high-tech materials group based in Leverkusen, Germany. In North America, Bayer had 2007 net sales of 8.1 billion euros and employed 16,800 at year end. Bayer’s three subgroups, Bayer HealthCare, Bayer CropScience and Bayer MaterialScience, improve people’s lives through a broad range of essential products that help diagnose, prevent and treat diseases; protect crops and enhance yields; and advance automobile safety and durability.