STAMAX® P COMPOSITE APPLICATIONS ON DISPLAY AT K 2001

DÜSSELDORF, Germany, (25th October 2001) – A door module featuring StaMax® P, a new thermoplastic composite developed jointly by OC™ Automotive Solutions and DSM Automotive Polymers, will be unveiled at the K 2001 Exhibition in Düsseldorf. Other StaMax P applications will also be shown during show, which takes place from Oct. 25th through Nov. 1st.

The module is being readied for installation in a 2002 European passenger car, says Leon Jacobs, General Manager, StaMax. A prototype of this door module, developed by Faurecia, is being displayed on the DSM stand, Hall 6/C-10.

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.

The door module showcased at the K exhibition is a prototype of the component, as the vehicle is not yet in production. The door module is the second major application for the StaMax P.

Also on display is the BMW New Mini front-end carrier. StaMax P is capable of

replacing numerous metal parts by combining the pieces into a carrier that’s lighter, costs less and, combined with attached accessories, can be delivered directly to the automaker as a fully integrated module for installation on the assembly line. StaMax P is also replacing GMT and other engineering plastics by providing lower system costs and lower weight.The primary applications for StaMax P include door structures, instrument carriers, splash shields, bumper beams and integrated front-end systems.

Until now, most automotive modules have focused on front-end and instrument-panel applications. "Door modules, such as the one we are demonstrating here, are the logical next step," says Jacobs.

As engineered for the new vehicle, the carrier on which all door components such as locks, window regulators, loudspeakers, cable trays and clips are mounted is made of StaMax P. The carrier also functions as a wet-dry separator between the inner and outer door. Sealing foam is applied in such a way that the carrier can be easily removed and recycled separately.

“StaMax P can be processed on existing, standard injection molding, injection-compression molding and extrusion-compression molding equipment without requiring major investments”, Jacobs says.

StaMax P bridges the gap between short fiber compounds and glass-mat thermoplastic compounds, providing automakers with increased design freedom thanks to consistent distribution of glass fibers in the polymer, Jacobs explained.

Moreover, he adds system costs can be significantly reduced by tailoring the composite’s properties and molding process to match application requirements.

Owens Corning is a world leader in building materials and composites systems. The company has sales of $5 billion and employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide. For more information, please visit Owens Corning’s web site at www.owenscorning.com.

OC™ Automotive Solutions is a part of Owens Corning’s Global Composite Systems business. It reported sales of $200 million in 2000 and employs approximately 100 people. The division provides innovative composite materials and solutions that reduce cost and weight while enhancing performance.

DSM is a highly integrated international group of companies that is active worldwide in the field of life science products, performance materials, polymers and industrial chemicals. The group has annual sales of EUR 8.1 billion and employs about 22,000 people (year-end 2000) at more than 200 sites worldwide. By 2005 DSM aims to rank among the world’s leading players in the field of specialties characterized by a high added value, strong growth and stable profit levels, with realization of group sales of EUR 10 billion. At least 80% of this should be generated by specialties in which DSM holds global leadership positions.