International Automotive Components Group (IAC), a global leading supplier to the automobile industry, used BASF’s Acrodur® 950 L binder to develop the world’s first automotive roof frame, dubbed the “FiberFrame,” that is entirely made of natural fiber.
BASF says its Acrodur binders are used to strengthen natural fiber mats that are processed into molded parts. Acrodur is environmentally compatible and ensures simple and unproblematic processing, assembly and molding of semi-finished products with custom-tailored properties.
According to BASF, the water-based and low-emission binder gives the frame the necessary loading capacity and heat resistance it needs to be effective. This serves as an alternative to phenolic resins and strengthens the natural fibers in the frame. The result is an environmentally compatible, dimensionally stable and, above all, lightweight frame that is now being used for the first time in the new E-class of Mercedes-Benz. As of April 2016, cars fitted with the roof frame are available at European dealers.
