Austrian sporting goods manufacturer Berger has launched crash mats with a core of BASF Neopolen E foam, with a view to providing greater safety on ski slopes and downhill runs for skiers and snowboarders.
The mats are used to cushion ski lift uprights, rock walls, and barriers. They contain a specially designed hollow chamber system to cushion shocks on impact and help protect skiers from injury.
Neopolen E is a closed-cell, physically crosslinked polyethylene particle foam. BASF claims stability, flexibility and durability for the material, with “outstanding” absorption of the kinetic energy striking the mat in case of impact.
According to BASF, Neopolen E returns to its original shape after the load is released, allowing even repeated loads to be cushioned reliably. The lightweight crash mats are easily transported and set up on ski slopes.
BASF cites another “decisive” advantage on the ski slopes: unlike other foams, Neopolen E absorbs virtually no water. This is an important feature because if the cover of the mat is damaged, moisture can penetrate and then freeze at winter temperatures. This will cause the mat to lose its shock-absorbing effect. In this case, it can no longer provide skiers with optimum protection on impact. In addition, says BASF, Neopolen E retains its properties over the broad temperature range 70 to 90°C.
Johann Berger, CEO of the family-owned Berger company, said: “The requirement for greater safety in winter sports has increased dramatically over the last few years. After all, speeds on downhill runs are steadily increasing – not least because of continuous new developments in skis and snowboards. The special combination of properties provided by Neopolen E allows us to offer the industry a crash mat meeting the special demands of this sector. At the same time, the material is very easy to process.”
Berger also provided crash mats for the goal areas at this year's World Ice Hockey Championships in