Sheet for Rail Seating and Interiors

Bayblend® MTR and MTR HP-1, two new thermoformable sheet products, meet requirements for flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) for rail interior components while providing a high level of toughness for long service life in damageprone applications such as seating and ceiling panels, wall cladding and window reveals. Both products meet the Federal Railroad Administration's standards for flame and smoke generation according to 49 CFR Part 238 Appendix B. They also comply with Bombardier Transportation's Standard SMP 800-C and Boeing Corporation's BSS 7239 for toxic gas generation. Their unique inherent polymeric composition also resists cleaners typically used in the rail industry for interior car components. Bayblend MTR and MTR HP-1 also feature higher stiffness than previously available in thermoplastics approved for rail interiors which provides an added cost benefit since thinner sheets can often be used in the design of components without compromising finished product quality and durability.

Bayblend MTR and MTR HP-1 are now commercially available in a variety of sheet sizes, textures and colors. Bayblend MTR sheet can be laminated with decorative and protective films, or painted for a high gloss finish. Its counterpart, MTR HP-1 grade, features a surface treatment for inherently higher resistance to scratching, chemicals, food stains and graffiti than standard unprotected products. Thermoplastic sheet products have proven advantages over thermosets such as FRP and metals in weight reduction and also aesthetics, with inherent colors, textures and the ability to be formed to complex shapes. These new Bayblend sheet grades combine these benefits with higher toughness, improved resistance to defacing, and physical properties that allow more cost-effective thinwalled designs. Bayblend products can be fully reclaimed and recycled and produce no VOCs during processing, a distinct difference from most thermoset alternatives.

For more information, contact Cindy Kahlstrom, Sheffield Plastics Inc., 119 Salisbury Road, Sheffield, MA 01257, 800-254-1707, Fax: 800-457-3553, E-mail: cindy.kahlstrom@bayerbms.com, Web: www.sheffieldplastics.com.