Plastics News: Dow Introduces a Revolutionary New Propylene-Based Polymer Targeted at Thermoforming

Dow Introduces a Revolutionary New Propylene-Based Polymer Targeted at Thermoforming

Product Broadens the Capabilities of Large Part Thermoforming

Chicago, IL - June 19, 2006

The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) today introduced a new performance plastic designed for cut sheet thermoforming. INSPIRE™ EFP 500 Performance Polymer addresses the formability concerns that have historically been a key barrier in the technology for large thermoformed parts. The propylene-based polymer is developed using Dow patented technologies in both polypropylene and elastomers.

“This polymer has the potential to broaden the opportunities with new parts and applications for sheet producers, thermoformers, and OEMs,” said Ben Matuska, North American Market Manager for Plastic Durable Goods. “Thermoformers have struggled to create large parts using existing thermoplastic olefin (TPO) technology, and INSPIRE EFP 500 Performance Polymer was designed with these difficulties in mind. For example, the melt strength properties of the polymer are suited specifically to large part thermoforming. The melt strength is high, and it is also the right type of melt strength for the cut sheet thermoforming process.”

INSPIRE EFP 500 Performance Polymer provides a number of performance benefits for OEMs that use large parts, including low temperature toughness, ductility, chemical resistance and excellent fastening capabilities. The polymer can be used alone or with a complementary high gloss cap layer with UV and scratch/mar resistance.

For these end users of thermoformed parts, INSPIRE EFP 500 Performance Polymer contributes to excellent cleaning chemical resistance, lower weight, weatherability, and strong durability and impact resistance compared to existing materials. Parts made using INSPIRE EFP 500 Performance Polymer are suitable for sporting goods, automotive parts, RV parts, canoes/kayaks, all-terrain vehicles, tractors, and many other durable goods.

“This polymer also solves the problem of regrind,” said Matuska. “Thermoformers that work with INSPIRE EFP 500 Performance Polymer will be able to use upwards of 40 percent regrind without sacrificing performance properties. This regrind capability addresses an important need with TPOs.”

About The Dow Chemical Company

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

®™^* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow

For Editorial Information:

Josiah McClellan
Porter Novelli
(212) 601-8284
josiah.mcclellan@porternovelli.com

Soledad Echagüe
The Dow Chemical Company
(713) 978-2249


Asia-Pacific Europe, Middle East and Africa Latin America Español Português North America About Dow's Plastics Portfolio News Center Related Plastics Sites Joint Ventures Medical Policy Plastics Home	Dow Introduces a Revolutionary New Propylene-Based Polymer Targeted at Thermoforming Product Broadens the Capabilities of Large Part Thermoforming Chicago, IL - June 19, 2006 The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) today introduced a new performance plastic designed for cut sheet thermoforming. INSPIRE™ EFP 500 Performance Polymer addresses the formability concerns that have historically been a key barrier in the technology for large thermoformed parts. The propylene-based polymer is developed using Dow patented technologies in both polypropylene and elastomers. “This polymer has the potential to broaden the opportunities with new parts and applications for sheet producers, thermoformers, and OEMs,” said Ben Matuska, North American Market Manager for Plastic Durable Goods. “Thermoformers have struggled to create large parts using existing thermoplastic olefin (TPO) technology, and INSPIRE EFP 500 Performance Polymer was designed with these difficulties in mind. For example, the melt strength properties of the polymer are suited specifically to large part thermoforming. The melt strength is high, and it is also the right type of melt strength for the cut sheet thermoforming process.” INSPIRE EFP 500 Performance Polymer provides a number of performance benefits for OEMs that use large parts, including low temperature toughness, ductility, chemical resistance and excellent fastening capabilities. The polymer can be used alone or with a complementary high gloss cap layer with UV and scratch/mar resistance. For these end users of thermoformed parts, INSPIRE EFP 500 Performance Polymer contributes to excellent cleaning chemical resistance, lower weight, weatherability, and strong durability and impact resistance compared to existing materials. Parts made using INSPIRE EFP 500 Performance Polymer are suitable for sporting goods, automotive parts, RV parts, canoes/kayaks, all-terrain vehicles, tractors, and many other durable goods. “This polymer also solves the problem of regrind,” said Matuska. “Thermoformers that work with INSPIRE EFP 500 Performance Polymer will be able to use upwards of 40 percent regrind without sacrificing performance properties. This regrind capability addresses an important need with TPOs.” About The Dow Chemical Company Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. ®™^* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow For Editorial Information: Josiah McClellan Porter Novelli (212) 601-8284 josiah.mcclellan@porternovelli.com Soledad Echagüe The Dow Chemical Company (713) 978-2249
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