Au Naturel

Bayer Polymers LLC (www.bayer.com/polymers-usa) has come out with a new materials system that helps manufacturers get back to nature. Called Baypreg F, it features a polyurethane chemistry optimized for use with natural fiber reinforcing mats and a related processing technology from

Bayer's Hennecke Machinery Unit. Parts made from the system-which can be found in Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz interiors-typically use a natural fiber mat made from flax and sisal. Hemp mats are another possibility. Bayer has also used the technology to create sandwich-panel composites-in which natural fiber mat and polyurethane surround a honeycomb core made from paper or aluminum.