Covestro's smart material breakthroughs propel AI applications to new heights

High-performance plastic material solutions including polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) meet the application needs of various AI products.

May 2025 – In conjunction with the AI industry chain responding to the global tech event COMPUTEX 2025, the leading material producer Covestro showcased its advanced polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) solutions at its Taipei headquarters. These innovations continue to support AI application upgrades in consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and new energy industries while achieving sustainable development.

As AI technology rapidly advances, material performance continuously breaks limits to address complex application environments. Whether in smart terminal devices, energy storage systems, or network infrastructure, high-efficiency heat dissipation, precise RF transmission, and reliable protection have become critical requirements, while user experience and sustainability are equally valued.

"As smart hardware evolves into neural networks of industries, our advanced materials act as both enablers and accelerators," said Lily Wang, Head of Engineering Plastics at Covestro. "From molecular design to circular solutions, we're engineering the material intelligence that turns AI's limitless potential into tangible, sustainable progress across every industry frontier."

Kevin Ho, Head of Sales and Market Development APAC of Covestro TPU, also stated: "As smart technology integration continues to proliferate across industries, Covestro's innovative material solutions play a pivotal role in enhancing product performance and elevating user experience, ensuring sustained device performance under demanding usage conditions."

With its customised services and technical expertise, Covestro is helping to accelerate innovation across the AI industry ecosystem. As a pioneer in sustainability trends, Covestro not only assists customers in developing materials that align with circular economy principles but also provides compliant polycarbonate and TPU solutions in response to international PFAS regulations.

·Breaking through AI computing thermal bottlenecks: Thermal management presents significant challenges in slim devices with high-performance computing capabilities, such as gaming and AI laptops. Covestro has introduced innovative Makrolon® thermally conductive polycarbonate materials that effectively replace traditional metal cooling components while supporting complex, high-precision product designs.

·Strengthening 5G infrastructure and smart home hubs: Nowadays, digital life relies on the deployment of high-speed network environments. For network communications, Covestro has developed low-temperature impact-resistant Makrolon® polycarbonate that enables outdoor communication infrastructure such as 5G base stations and satellite terminals to maintain stable signals under extreme temperature fluctuations (-40°C to 85°C) and high-salt environments.

·For smart home network devices, Covestro's Desmopan® IT series TPU integrated with PC/ABS materials creates an excellent tactile experience for smart Wi-Fi router outer panels and base plate while enhancing vibration dampening and ensuring long-term stability through UV resistance and low migration properties.

·Innovative materials enhance smart device experience: In response to lightweight design trends, Covestro pioneered a single-material design approach, using high-hardness TPU to replace conventional PC/ABS in laptop bottom covers while integrating seamlessly with TPU foam foot pads. This advancement enhances component integration while improving product lightweighting and recyclability.

·For close-contact wearable devices such as smartwatches, Covestro's soft-grade TPU provides comfortable tactile experiences with chemical resistance and antibacterial properties, enabling safe long-term wear.

·Strategic focus on key components for smart home appliances and robotics: In the rapidly growing smart home appliance and robotics markets, Covestro demonstrates the advantages of its polycarbonate and TPU materials.

·Enhanced protection for energy equipment: In the global trend of energy transition, the stable operation of energy storage systems, charging stations, and other facilities is crucial. Covestro's Makrolon® polycarbonate, with its excellent weather resistance and low-temperature impact resistance, enables stable operation of outdoor equipment such as charging piles and power conversion systems.

·Advancing into the aerial transportation industry chain: Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles (eVTOL) will revolutionize urban air mobility. Covestro's Makrolon® AG polycarbonate enables eVTOL autonomy by seamlessly integrating sensors for LiDAR and automated flight, offering high signal permeability.

Advanced technological developments are merging with industries across all sectors to create novel smart services. Covestro's reliable material solutions will continue to innovate, jointly driving the comprehensive upgrade of devices and equipment.