BASF begins work on pilot plant for new insulating material

BASF has conducted the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a pilot plant at Lemförde (Lower Saxony) for manufacturing Slentite, a new high-performance insulating material that was unveiled the same day. BASF is investing in its location in Lower Saxony from where the company will supply sample quantities of Slentite, as of mid-2014.
 
After the welcome address by Dr René Lochtman, Managing Director of BASF Polyurethanes GmbH at the unveiling ceremony of Slentite, the guests had the opportunity to experience the new insulating material at first hand. Under the supervision of Dr Marc Fricke, leader of the team that has developed Slentite, the insulation panels were affixed to a wall. In the further course of the product premiere, Dr Christian Fischer, President - Advanced Materials & Systems Research, BASF SE, explained the special importance of research and innovation for the company. Dr Rudolf Plagge of the Institute of Building Climatology at TU Dresden illuminated the future requirements of insulating materials such as good moisture regulation, while architect Alexander Kahnt also looked ahead to the coming years: in his view, growing urbanisation, dramatic population growth and the shortage of natural resources will call for new architectural solutions. And BASF will make its contribution with Slentite.
 
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In a seven-year research process, BASF has developed a new high-performance insulating material for the construction and refrigeration sectors. This is the first time that an aerogel has become available as a solid panel. Slentite has excellent insulation values, saves space in its application and is also designed for simple and neat processing. The company now intends to realise pilot projects with selected partners in architecture and industry.