BASF launches next-generation PremAir® NXT catalytic coating technology

• Reduces ground-level ozone when applied to automotive radiators

• Allows auto manufacturers to meet new U.S. Tier 3 and California LEV III emissions requirements

BASF has announced the commercial launch of PremAir NXT, a next-generation direct ozone reduction (DOR) catalytic coating technology that can help automakers meet new U.S. Tier 3 and California LEV III emissions reduction requirements.

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When applied to automotive radiators, the PremAir NXT solution converts harmful ground-level ozone – the main component of smog – into oxygen. PremAir NXT builds on the success of BASF’s standard PremAir coating technology, providing increased durability and higher ozone conversion performance over the lifetime of a vehicle.

“As the trend continues toward smaller automotive engines and smaller radiators, it’s important to increase the performance of the catalytic coatings that can be used,” says Jim Chirumbole, Vice President, BASF Mobile Emissions Catalysts - Americas. “PremAir NXT meets this challenge, providing a new tool that OEMs can use to help manage their fleet strategy, allowing them to meet the requirements needed to earn emissions credits despite the use of smaller radiators with less coatable surface area.”

U.S. Tier 3 and California LEV III regulations require automotive manufacturers to meet more stringent standards across their entire fleet, eventually achieving a fleet average of 30 milligrams/mile (approx. 19 milligrams/kilometer) of Non-Methane Organic Gases (NMOG) + Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions by 2025. In addition, these regulations require increased performance and durability for the vehicle emissions control system to 150,000 miles (approx. 240,000 kilometers). PremAir NXT supports these objectives, and provides a 5 milligram/mile credit towards vehicle emissions certification, which is applied to the total emissions of the vehicle over its lifetime.

BASF has more than 10 years of experience with its proprietary PremAir coating technology, which has been used in more than three million vehicles.