An automotive refinish coating with bio-based hardener found success at the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2017 in Australia.
Electric mobility and photovoltaics play a vital role in protecting the climate and conserving fossil resources. Combining them leads to even more innovative and sustainable mobility concepts. To show that these kinds of solutions are already feasible using state-of-the-art materials and technologies, a team of around 45 young researchers has developed a solar-powered electric car. Calling themselves “Team Sonnenwagen,” the students from RWTH Aachen University and Aachen University of Applied Sciences ranked fifth in the trials of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2017 in Australia, one of the toughest races in the world for solar cars.
Covestro supported the Sonnenwagen project with materials and technical service and as a gold sponsor. The company wanted to use the project to test coatings under the harsh climate conditions prevailing along the race’s route. Temperatures in the Australian desert can soar to as much as 45°C (113°F) in October, with intense UV radiation. This time of year also typically sees a high particle concentration in the air.