Darmstadt, Germany, 07. November 2011 - Bayer MaterialScience has added Makrolon® SilentSound for sound abatement to its product range of innovative multi-wall and solid sheets. With this transparent solid polycarbonate sheet, the company sets new standards in sound abatement and safety.

Makrolon® SilentSound was specially developed for sustainable noise reduction along highways, expressways and railroads. It is certified according to DIN EN 1793-2[1]. Tests by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics in Stuttgart, Germany, confirm that Makrolon® SilentSound, with a thickness of 18 millimeters and a weight of roughly 22 kilograms per square meter, reduces noise significantly, by 34 decibels. In addition, the sturdy material is almost unbreakable and splinter-free. Its low weight and easy processing makes this polycarbonate sheet perfectly suitable for difficult locations, including sites as demanding as bridges. The sheets can be installed quickly and safely without any additional superstructures or equipment.

A strong shield against sunlight, noise and contamination

The solid sheet Makrolon® SilentSound is available in two variants: „Extended UV" and „Abrasion-resistant" (AR). A special co-extrusion coating lends the first type extended UV protection and superior weatherability, which ensures the high resistance of the material over a long period of time. Bayer MaterialScience provides a 15-year guarantee that the material remains unbreakable and visually attractive.

Unlike many conventional materials for sound abatement walls, Makrolon® SilentSound not only lets light through onto the road, but also light in the desired color. The transparent polycarbonate sheets are manufactured in green, yellow, and blue, as well as in any custom color. The color experts from Bayer MaterialScience are available to assist customers in finding the right color.

Just like all other Makrolon® products, the SilentSound sheets possess excellent processing properties. Whether they are bent cold or installed flat, the sheets require little mechanical effort even for intricate building geometries. This almost break-free material can be processed speedily and safely, without additional superstructures or equipment, saving time and costs.

Certified and tested

The Makrolon® SilentSound solid sheets are resistant to brushwood fire according to DIN EN 1794-2 Annex A. Its structural properties comply with European Guideline ETAG[2] 10. Bayer MaterialScience regularly commissions tests to verify the sheets' properties, including light transmission, hail resistance and impact of stones according to DIN EN 1794-1 Annex C. The material is minimally affected by even massive impact such as bullets or other willful destruction. The pendulum impact test and the drop hammer impact test according to DIN-EN 1794-2:2009 Annex B confirm the high resistance of the material against falling debris. This means that no additional devices are required to intercept debris.

 [1] Road traffic noise reduction devices - Test method for determining acoustic performance

[2] European Technical Approval Guidelines

About Bayer MaterialScience AG:
With 2010 sales of EUR 10.2 billion, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world's largest polymer companies. 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 and the sports and leisure industries. At the end of 2010, Bayer MaterialScience had 30 production sites and employed approximately 14,700 people around the globe. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company.

Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Nicole Meyer-Kurczyk · Bayer MaterialScience GmbH·
e-mail: nicole.meyer-kurczyk@bayer.com