Light materials from Bayer

Bayer has launched a lightweight material designed to replace steel in railway locomotive and carriage construction. The company says that reducing weight has long been a key aim for automotive manufacturers, who are interested in reducing fuel consumption. But thanks to rising fuel costs, it is becoming important for companies that make trains as well. Bayer says that the sandwich polyurethane material, which it has demonstrated in a case study for housing diesel engines, is 35% lighter and 30% cheaper than steel and aluminium alternatives. The parts of the material are synthesised directly using a spray and press process.