the 06/12/2008

ExxonMobil Chemical Introduces New Transparent and Translucent Style

 Excellent chemical resistance ExxonMobil Chemical has introduced new transparent andtranslucent thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) grades designed for gripapplications in the kitchenware, consumer electronics, tools, smallappliance and stationery markets. ExxonMobil TPE F471-60 exhibitsexcellent transparency with 82 percent light transmittance. Thetranslucent grade, ExxonMobil TPE F371-60, has a lighttransmittance of 10 percent. Both new grades offer a unique combination of properties that makethem dishwasher safe and ideal replacements for flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC). These TPEs also accept a range of special effectssuch as metallic, iridescent or transparent colors. “ The consumer product market is very dynamic with OEMs andindustrial designers always looking for something new andinspiring, the next trend. These transparent and translucent TPEgrades provide exciting design opportunities enabling branddifferentiation in rapidly evolving markets, ” said Lynell Maenza, industry segment manager, ExxonMobil ChemicalTPEs. The high-flow grades, with a hardness of 60 Shore A, provide a softand dry rubbery touch. They are odor-free and exhibit good chemicalresistance. Adhering well to polypropylene, the new grades can be processedusing two-shot injection molding or overmolding techniques. Thiseliminates the need for adhesives, bonding agents and physical ormechanical interlocks. This reduces processing steps which canimprove product development cycle times and lower system costs. “ These new grades, which complement our existing portfolio of gradesfor grip, aesthetic and comfort applications, have been developedusing our 25 years ’ experience and knowledge of these markets. We are excited aboutthe design potential they will bring to the consumer productmarket, ” said Maenza. About ExxonMobil Chemical ExxonMobil Chemical is a global leader in technology, productquality and customer service with petrochemical manufacturingand/or marketing operations around the world. For more informationvisit: www.exxonmobilchemical.com . About ExxonMobil Chemical ’ s specialty elastomers ExxonMobil Chemical offers customers one of the industry's broadestportfolios of specialty elastomer products. This includes Vistamaxx ? specialty elastomers, Santoprene ? brand TPVs, Vistalon ? EPDM (conventional and metallocene catalyst), Exact ? plastomers and Exxelor ? modifiers. These products provide innovative elastomeric solutionscombined with global support in material selection, design,processing, and supply chain management.