Arch Chemicals Announces Two New Polyol Products for the Rigid Foam Market.

Business Editors, Technology Writers

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2000

Arch Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:ARJ) announced at the Alliance for the Polyurethane Industry (API) conference here that it is introducing two new polyols for use in a variety of rigid foam applications, such as insulated pipe, large cross-section slabstock and poured-in-place for flotation and insulation.

Poly-G(R) 73-490 is a neutral, sorbitol-based polyol. Its low molecular weight makes it ideal for rigid foam production where increased load bearing in high-temperature applications is required. Poly-G(R) 74-532 is a sucrose-based polyol with a 520 hydroxyl number and can be used in poured-in-place applications.

The new polyols take advantage of recently announced new production capacity at the company's Brandenburg, Ky., facility using processes developed at Brandenburg's research and development labs.

In addition, Arch recently announced the commercialization of other polyol products in order to broaden its product offerings to customers worldwide.

"Arch is a major supplier of performance polyols servicing the CASE and rigid polyol markets," said John M. Polkowski, commercial business director of Arch's Performance Urethanes. "As our customers' needs for new and improved polyols grow, we intend to continue to broaden our product offering to supply them the quality products they need to support their growth."

Specifically, Arch expanded its performance polyol product line with the commercialization of an amine terminated polyol (Poly-A(TM) 27-2000), and two polyols based on trimethylolpropane (TMP), Poly-G(R)35-610 and Poly-G(R) 30-400T.

Poly-A(TM) 27-2000 polyoxypropylenediamine, is a di-functional primary amine used by the urethane industry in spray elastomer applications. Among a variety of industrial uses, end products for these polyols, include truck bed liners, tank coatings and coated bridge abutments.

Poly-A(TM) 27-2000 has a nominal molecular weight of 2000. Its clear color, low viscosity, solubility in solvents, and low vapor pressure make it ideal for aromatic spray polyurea elastomer applications. Arch plans to expand its amine terminated product line to include other molecular weight species of both di-functional and tri-functional products.

Next, Poly-G(R) 35-610, an ethoxylated (TMP) polyol containing 100% primary hydroxyl groups, is used primarily in elastomer, coating and adhesive applications. With an average molecular weight of 275, it is a stable, practically colorless liquid that is neither volatile nor corrosive.

Finally, Poly-G(R) 30-400T, a propoxylated (TMP) polyol has an average molecular weight of 420 and is a stable, practically colorless liquid that is neither volatile nor corrosive. Poly-G(R) 30-400T is also used primarily in elastomer, coating and adhesive applications.

Arch Chemicals, Inc., headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., is a global specialty chemicals company with leadership positions in Microelectronic Chemicals, Water Chemicals and Performance Chemicals. Arch Chemicals serves world leaders in these key markets with forward-looking solutions to meet their chemical needs, employing a global workforce and manufacturing facilities in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.