Midland, MI - August 15, 2007

The Dow Chemical Company today introduced a new calendering-grade of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers to be commercialized under the PELLETHANE™ brand.  The new elastomer can offer performance and processing advantages for a wide array of demanding applications including fabrics, non-wovens and industrial products such as conveyor belts and sewer liners.

A method often used for coatings applications, calendering allows resin to be placed directly onto fabrics.  Specifically engineered for this technique, the new TPU elastomer is easily processed and produces excellent adhesion and chemical resistance. 

“Dow developed the new calendering-grade to help address unmet market needs for high-quality elastomer products for the calendering process,” said Mike Szabo, Dow's product director for PELLETHANE & ISOPLAST™ thermoplastic polyurethanes.   “By working hand-in-hand with customers, Dow continues to identify solutions, like the calendering-grade TPU elastomer, and leverage its material science expertise to develop products with high performance and exceptional physical properties.”

With a combination of clarity, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, chemical resistance and excellent processability, Dow’s PELLETHANE TPU elastomers are a material of choice for a wide range of demanding applications.  In addition to calendering, these TPU products can be fabricated by a variety of methods including injection molding, extrusion and blow molding.

“Dow used its material-science expertise to take an extremely high-quality, versatile material and make it processable via calendering,” said Szabo.  “Since PELLETHANE™ TPU elastomers are manufactured at Dow’s world-class manufacturing facilities, the new elastomers will consistently deliver the excellent consistency and resin quality customers have come to expect from Dow.”

PELLETHANE TPU elastomers are among many innovative products that underscore Dow’s strategy to strengthen its Performance business portfolio by prioritizing technology and solutions.  Sample test quantities are available to customers. For more information about Dow PELLETHANE TPU elastomers, and how customers can bring their unmet needs to Dow for innovative solutions, please visit www.dow.com/challengeus. 

About Dow

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

For Editorial Information:

Nancy Lamb
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 638-7251

Jennifer Sampson
Gibbs & Soell
(847) 519-9150
jsampson@gibbs-soell.com