Advanced Polymer Alloys Introduces DuraGrip® TPE to Asia/Pacific Region

New material enhances value through ease of processing, strong performance characteristics

WILMINGTON, Del. (PRWEB) July 3, 2005 -- Advanced Polymer Alloys (APA), a division of Ferro Corporation and the worlds leading supplier of Melt-Processible Elastomers (MPEs), announced today the availability of its new DuraGrip® Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) throughout the Asia/Pacific region.

APA made the announcement during Chinaplas® 2005 at the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Pazhou, Guangzhou, China. APA is exhibiting at Chinaplas courtesy of Jacobson van den Berg (Hong Kong) Ltd. (Booth D964), its largest distributor in the region.

DuraGrip TPE is a versatile thermoplastic elastomer that enhances the value of end products through its performance characteristics and features, including, when needed, a soft-touch feel. The DuraGrip grades, available in 30 to 80 Shore A hardness, come in easily colorable natural, black, translucent, and clear. Available grades include:

DuraGrip 6000 series -- the general-purpose grade that is easy to use in injection molding and extrusion processes. It bonds well to polypropylene and polyethylene.

DuraGrip 6100 series -- bonds well to PC, ABS, PC/ABS alloys, nylon, ASA, and other engineered thermoplastic materials.

DuraGrip 6800 series -- the FDA-compliant grade designed to offer very good elastomeric properties and soft-touch feel. The 6800 series processes well in injection molding, overmolding, extrusion and co-extrusion manufacturing. It bonds to polypropylene and polyethylene.

DuraGrip TPE is a soft and durable material that will enhance any number of applications," said Jeff Senich, APAs business development manager. With Jacobsons support, a whole new market can take advantage of DuraGrips ease of processing and design versatility. It will provide molders with greater flexibility, while holding the line on production costs."

DuraGrip TPE is a great new product that molders in Asia/Pacific will quickly become comfortable in using," said Kenneth Tse, director and general manager for Jacobson van den Berg (Hong Kong) Ltd. Its faster cycle times, performance, and price point are all important factors to molders in this region. Jacobson is looking forward to working with APA to introduce DuraGrip to our customers."

When combined with rigid thermoplastic substrates, DuraGrip TPE adds an ergonomic soft-touch feel that can increase customer value in applications for industries including appliances, electronics, home improvement, household products, lawn and garden, office supplies, personal care, sports and leisure, and more. Additionally, its physical properties make it ideal for automotive applications.

For a complete list of distributors, please visit www.APAinfo.com.

About APA
Advanced Polymer Alloys (APA), a division of Ferro Corporation, is the worlds leading supplier of Melt-Processible Elastomers (MPEs).

APAs broad line of elastomers spans the entire TPE price/performance range -- from the wide appeal of soft, affordable DuraGrip®, to top-performing Alcryn MPR, the worlds only melt-processible rubber.

Bridging the gap between design vision and engineering reality, APAs unique material innovations deliver ideal performance properties to enhance the quality, appeal, and marketability of virtually every product.

APAs goal is to provide customers with optimal material solutions for their specific needs -- whether drawing from our full MPE line or compounding custom alloys.

Ferro Corporation is a major international producer of performance materials for industry, including coatings and performance chemicals. The company has operations in 20 countries and recorded sales of $1.6 billion in 2003.

For more information on the companys product line, visit APA on the web at www.APAinfo.com or call 888-663-6005.

Alcryn®, Melt-Processible Rubber (MPR), DuraGrip®, and Melt-Processible Elastomers (MPE) are trademarks or registered trademarks of Ferro Corporation. APA is a division of Ferro Corporation.

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