International award for scientific papers in the field of engineering and high-performance plastics and composites

Quadrant is to confer for the first time an international award for outstanding academic achievement in the field of «Materials and processes related to engineering and high-performance plastics and composites». Graduates who have received a PhD or Master's degree between August 1, 2004, and July 31, 2005, are invited to enter. Prizes of EUR 15 000 (PhD level) and EUR 5 000 (Master's level) await the winners. Zurich, April 28, 2005 – As a leading global manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastic materials and composites in the form of semi-finished and finished products, Quadrant is to confer for the first time an international award for outstanding academic achievement. Graduates who have received a PhD or Master’s degree in the field of «Materials and processes related to engineering and high-performance plastics and composites» between August 1, 2004, and July 31, 2005, are invited to enter. The «Quadrant Award 2005» will be conferred for two scientific papers, with prizes of EUR 15 000 (PhD level) and EUR 5 000 (Master's level).

GE Advanced Materials, Automotive Revs Up Its Instrument Panel Program Featuring Two New Best-in-Class Resins

A leader in providing technically advanced material solutions to automotive customers across the globe, GE Advanced Materials, Automotive has introduced a reinvigorated Instrument Panel (IP) program, featuring several new high-performance polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) and polycarbonate grades, as well as an expanded range of world-class technical resources and support. GE recently shifted its IP program into high gear with the launch of a new series of Xtreme Cycoloy* PC/ABS resin blends, representing the latest materials breakthrough in GE’s continuing development of its Cycoloy resin family.  Additional power to the IP program comes from the company’s introduction of Lexan* EXL 1414H resin, a new polycarbonate-siloxane (PC-Si) copolymer grade that offers automotive designers and OEMs new synergies between integrated airbag and IP design. 

GE’s Reinvigorated Instrument Panel (IP) Program BERGEN OP ZOOM, THE NETHERLANDS — April 28, 2005 — Demonstrating another example of its commitment to provide technically advanced material solutions to automotive customers across the globe, GE Advanced Materials, Automotive has introduced a reinvigorated Instrument Panel (IP) program, featuring several new high-performance acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) grades, as well as an expanded range of world-class technical resources and support.

GE’s New AS4700* Hardcoat System Delivers Durable Protection, High Gloss to Black Polycarbonate Automotive Exterior Parts

High-Gloss Sun Roof

With the launch of its silicone-based AS4700* hardcoat and SHP470* basecoat grades, GE Advanced Materials is helping automotive designers and customers to deliver an added degree of protection for the appliqués, mirror shells, sunroofs, vent grills, and black polycarbonate (PC) exterior trim sported by many of today's cars. These parts have been traditionally susceptible to fading and cracking after extended exposure to harsh in-use environments. Combined, GE’s AS4700 hardcoat and SHP470 primer can now be used to create a protective surface with a durable, high-gloss finish, potentially extending the life of these components. BERGEN OP ZOOM, THE NETHERLANDS — April 26, 2005 — Automotive customers who choose to differentiate their product offerings with plastic designs versus metal should not have to sacrifice durable aesthetics and performance. Now, with help from an outstanding new silicone-based weatherable hardcoat system from GE Advanced Materials, they may not have to.

Upgraded Borflow™ provides an improved liquid barrier solution for hygiene and medical applications

The new products, designated Borflow HL604FB, HL608FB and HL612FB, answer a growing demand from meltblown producers for more process-friendly plastics and from consumers with young infants, for diaper products that provide better liquid barrier (hydrohead) properties. With the introduction of an upgraded range of its Borflow™ low viscosity polypropylene (PP) homopolymers, Borealis has set a new standard in barrier performance for meltblown, nonwoven applications such as diapers and medical gowns.

AZDEL, Inc. explores potential of new Cage System® molding technology for producing Class A thermoplastic composites

AZDEL Inc.is currently evaluating the potential advantages of the Cage System, an innovative, high-speed composite molding technology developed by the RocTool Company of France, for use with its own AZDEL composite materials. According to Ken Forden, president AZDEL, Inc: “We are working in conjunction with RocTool to investigate the use of the Cage System for the production of composites with a class A surface finish.” BERGEN OP ZOOM, THE NETHERLANDS – AZDEL Inc., a 50/50 joint venture of GE Advanced Materials (NYSE: GE) and PPG Industries, based in Lynchburg, Va., has announced that it is currently evaluating the potential advantages of the Cage System®, an innovative, high-speed composite molding technology developed by the RocTool Company of France, for use with its own AZDEL* composite materials. According to Ken Forden, president AZDEL, Inc: “We are working in conjunction with RocTool to investigate the use of the Cage System for the production of composites with a class A surface finish.”

Caflon® surfactants from Univar now available across Europe, offering substitutes for banned nonylphenol ethoxylates

UnivarROTTERDAM, The Netherlands, 15 April 2005 – The European Union ban on nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) and its intermediate, nonylphenol (NP), at one time threatened compromises in surfactant performance for makers of products from detergent to biocides. That situation has changed: Univar N.V., a world leader in chemical distribution, has begun distributing its Caflon® brand of substitutes for NPE surfactants and NP-free intermediates throughout Europe.

Introducing Quadrum®: Multi-purpose display system enhanced by Spectar® Frosty Sheet

The material used for the modules is 2 mm new Frosty Sheet made with Spectar® copolyester from Eastman. CAPELLE A/D IJSSEL, THE NETHERLANDS - An innovative multi-functional modular display system has been introduced by Netherlands-based international design company Visuality’s. The company selected new Frosty Sheet made with Spectar® copolyester from Eastman Chemical Company to create exciting new design opportunities.

GE’s PolarTherm* XLR Boron Nitride Fillers Offer Outstanding Thermal Conductivity to Help Electronic Devices Beat the Heat

SEM Image of GE’s PolarTherm* XLR Spherical Agglomerates of Boron Nitride Crystals

GE Advanced Materials has introduced PolarTherm* XLR boron nitride fillers to help electronics manufacturers effectively dissipate heat from semiconductors where high temperatures can reduce the performance of computers and other electronic devices. GE’s PolarTherm XLR materials are spherical agglomerates of boron nitride crystals that, when loaded into a polymer, can deliver up to two-times the thermal conductivity of other boron nitride fillers. The new products are available from GE in two grades: PTX25, a 25-micron mean-particle size grade, and PTX60, a mean particle size of 60 microns. BERGEN OP ZOOM, THE NETHERLANDS — April 21, 2005 — A major challenge facing electronics manufacturers in moving to smaller and faster devices is effective heat dissipation from semiconductors. High temperatures in semiconductors can reduce the performance of computers and other electronic devices. GE Advanced Materials has developed PolarTherm* XLR boron nitride fillers to help overcome these challenges. GE’s PolarTherm XLR materials are spherical agglomerates of boron nitride crystals which, when loaded into a polymer, can deliver up to two times the thermal conductivity of other boron nitride fillers.