The business of lighting is changing rapidly. Because of its sustainability, LED lighting is gaining popularity in our living rooms and offices as well as the cars we drive. As lighting engineers and designers re-imagine energy-efficient lighting to meet this demand, they need cost-effective solutions and materials that offer improved reflectivity to optimize light output.

Bayer MaterialScience LLC has developed new reflective white (RW) polycarbonate grades that can help lighting professionals deliver creative, design-friendly and energy-efficient lighting. 

The new Makrolon® RW2405 and Makrolon® RW6265X polycarbonate grades offer high diffusive reflectivity, excellent surface quality and molded-in color to eliminate costly secondary operations such as plating, painting and coating. 

• Makrolon® RW2405 polycarbonate has a UL 94 flame class rating of V-2 at 1.5 mm and is available in an ultraviolet- (UV) stabilized grade (Makrolon® RW2407 polycarbonate). 
• Makrolon® RW6265X polycarbonate is an excellent choice for applications that require more stringent flame resistance ratings and is available in a UV-stabilized grade (Makrolon® polycarbonate RW6267X). Both grades have a UL flame class rating of V-0 at 1.5 mm and RTI values of 125 degrees C (Electrical), 115 degrees C (Mechanical with Impact) and 125 degrees C (Mechanical without Impact).

"The Makrolon® RW polycarbonate grades use proven materials that retain their properties even at elevated temperatures," said Kevin Dunay, market segment manager, Electrical, IT & Appliance, Polycarbonates – North America, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. "Lighting professionals have embraced these products because they help achieve excellent light output while meeting the required flame resistance ratings." 

Makrolon® RW grades offering up to 96 percent reflectance are available. They are practical for a variety of injection molding applications such as reflector housings, mixing chambers, and end plates for the automotive and lighting (luminaires and replacement bulbs) markets. Development extrusion grades for profile and tube applications are also available.

Visitors from around the world can drop by the Bayer booth (#7936) during LIGHTFAIR International to learn more about Bayer's materials for lighting applications and talk to Bayer experts.