Owens Corning to Showcase World-Class Composite Solutions at the JEC Composites Show 2002

PARIS, France, 10, April 2002 – Owens Corning Composite Solutions will display their latest innovative composite developments at the JEC Composites Show 2002. A sampling of the composite solutions on display is featured below.

Owens Corning Advantex Glass

Owens Corning Composite Solutions has begun production of Advantex Glass Fiber in North America. Advantex Glass Fiber is a new type of boron free E-glass which combines the good electrical and mechanical properties of traditional E-glass with the acid corrosion resistance of E-CR glass. Advantex glass fiber is also more environmentally friendly to produce. Boron and added fluorine have been removed to minimize pollutants to the environment.

BMW Mini Cooper Front End Carrier

The assembled front-end module of the BMW Mini-Cooper, features StaMax® P, a new thermoplastic composite developed jointly by OC™ Automotive and DSM Automotive Polymers.

StaMax was formed as an Owens Corning and DSM joint venture in the Netherlands in February 1999. Its goal was to combine each company’s unique capabilities in glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics. Owens Corning brings its patented process and proprietary glass fiber technology to the venture. DSM offers specific thermoplastic materials, production and application know-how.

European Sports Car Hood

This application weights only 4.2 kg compared with 14 kg for its original part, while its panel properties are equivalent to 0.8 mm steel. It is molded with the unique SPRINT® CSB process, saving on capital investment and labor costs. The SPRINT® materials are manufactured by SP Systems, an OC™ Automotive strategic alliance partner.

European B-Car Sealed Door Module

Comprised of StaMax® P Thermoplastic composite material, this door module showcases integration of multiple functions with reduced assembly line steps. Benefits include a reduction in weight and overall system costs versus steel and an integrated watershield separating the wet and dry sides.

OC™ Versamat® Acoustic Door Insulator

This patented mat structure provides a 30 percent weight reduction over conventional materials, and is resistant to humidity and aging effects. The recyclable product combines noise absorption and spring/mass principles for effective noise reduction. The acoustic properties on this product can be tuned to specific needs.

Ballistic Panel

This application, which acts as both a ballistic and structural material, is utilized in ballistic and blast proof airline cockpit doors and bulkhead systems. It is manufactured by M.C. Gill, from S2 Glass® woven fabrics and meets FAA smoke and toxicity requirements.

Windmill Blade Cross Section

This application has a high strength-to-weight ratio and outstanding fatigue and corrosion-resistant surface. Wind power generating capacity has grown in excess of 20 percent per year over the last decade, with similar growth predicted for the next five to 10 years. The design freedom of composites contributes to the high efficiency of rotor blades for wind energy converters.