Borealis Lighting’s Innovative LED Technology Relies on Polycarbonate from Bayer MaterialScience

Another bright idea:

Pittsburgh, May 27, 2009 — Light emitting diode (LED) lighting is growing in popularity around the world, which is no surprise given the many benefits of LED technology, including a typical lifecycle of 50,000 hours, low maintenance and low energy consumption. Due to the energy savings it offers over traditional incandescent bulbs, LED technology is a more environmentally responsible way to light a space. The U.S. government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars funding programs from basic research to demonstration projects replacing traditional lighting sources with more efficient LED lighting. Furthermore, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandated that energy efficiency standards of light bulbs increase by 30 percent, therefore effectively phasing out most common types of incandescent light bulbs as early as 2012 , making LEDs one of the preferred lighting options for the future.

Borealis Lighting, a division of PolyBrite International, is at the forefront of LED lighting technology, designing and manufacturing solid-state LED lighting systems and products. Borealis Lighting’s patented PolyBrite™ polymer and light transmitting technology is a unique polymer/LED combination that conducts, angles and radiates a light source through the polymer lens material illuminated by LEDs.

The lenses of several lamp products from Borealis lighting for indoor and outdoor illumination are molded from Bayer MaterialScience’s Makrolon® polycarbonate resin. Makrolon polycarbonate offers advanced benefits for this application. For example, it does not block as much light as other materials, and the higher light transmittance allows the PolyBrite technology to use fewer LEDs.

“I have always had success with Makrolon polycarbonate resin and I knew that we could count on the material to consistently meet our needs,” said Carl Scianna, president of PolyBrite International and inventor of PolyBrite technology. “Makrolon polycarbonate resin is a superior choice for this application because of its high impact strength and glass-like transparency, among the many other benefits it offers. Experts from Bayer MaterialScience worked with us from the start, providing support as we developed our innovative LED solutions.”

Borealis Lighting uses Makrolon 6557 polycarbonate in its R20, PAR30 and PAR38 lamps. The lamps are used in a variety of general lighting applications, including residential, commercial and retail areas.

Each lamp offers an eco-friendly, energy-saving alternative to incandescent or compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. The Borealis R20 LED lamps are used for ambient illumination and down lighting of common areas and work spaces, while the PAR30 and PAR38 LED lamps are used for ambient illumination and down lighting of larger spaces.

The Borealis lamps that feature Makrolon polycarbonate resin all provide brightness that is comparable to incandescent lamps, but with reduced glare and improved shock and vibration resistance. The PolyBrite combination of polymer and LEDs can be either extruded into a variety of light-scattering shapes, or injection molded, depending on the particular application.

“We are always happy to be able to provide materials ideal for applications like the Borealis Lighting LED lamps – innovative products of the future,” said Gerald DiBattista, market segment leader, IT, Electrical/Electronics Polycarbonates, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “LED lighting technology requires a material that can withstand the heat while remaining strong, and offers high light transmittance and flame resistance. Makrolon 6557 polycarbonate offers those characteristics with the reliability and reputation of Bayer MaterialScience behind it.”

“All customer feedback from these particular lamps has been positive,” said Scianna. “People like the aesthetic look, as well as the practical benefits of the lamps.”

PolyBrite International, Inc. headquartered in Naperville, Ill., serves its international and domestic customers by providing the highest quality, environmentally friendly “green” lighting products. PolyBrite manufactures Borealis lighting products for residential, commercial and retail lighting and has been recognized as a leader in the LED lighting industry. All Borealis LED lighting products are entirely under the control and management of PolyBrite to ensure the highest quality. More information on PolyBrite’s LED Lamps, Lighting Systems and products are available on the Internet at www.polybrite.com or www.borealislighting.com or by calling 1-800-320-3801.

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with nearly 15,100 employees at 30 sites around the world and 2008 sales of 9.7 billion euros. 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, medical, and sports and leisure industries.

Comments

[jhonson]

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[Explosion Proof Lighting]

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