Ticona Develops 2nd Gen Low Viscosity Fortron® PPS To Help E/E Applications Meet Low Halogen Requirements

Florence, Ky., Jan. 19, 2009 – Ticona Engineering Polymers, the world’s largest supplier of linear polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), today announced the availability of a low viscosity grade of Fortron® PPS that meets today’s market demand for low halogen materials. This next generation Fortron PPS gives designers and manufacturers a “drop-in” option for use in eco-friendly electrical and electronic components.

“The next generation Fortron PPS 1140LC6 is similar to our newly launched low chlorine Fortron PPS 1140A66 but offers a lower viscosity, making it a suitable ‘drop –in’ exchange for use in existing molds, even in small parts,” said Ed Hallahan, marketing manager — Vectra® LCP and Fortron PPS. “Fortron PPS 1140LC6 also meets the proposed industry standard by containing less than 900 parts per million of both bromine and chlorine, which enables it to compete against other PPS ‘in-kind’ low halogen products as well as high-temperature V-0 nylons, which are struggling to meet the new environmental requirements.”

Fortron PPS resins satisfy the UL94 V-0 flammability rating without the addition of flame retardants. Also, Fortron PPS is ideal for use in applications where exacting electrical properties are required, making it a material of choice for making connectors, switches and other applications such as jigs used in semiconductor production and testing.

“Fortron PPS 1140LC6 is inherently flame resistant without additives,” said Hallahan. “Since it is UL94 V-0 rated, it can withstand high temperature soldering assembly — up to 270 Celsius — and it will outperform high temperature nylons that are subject to blistering, moisture uptake and dimensional stability processing issues.”

The new Fortron PPS grade complements the existing high-performance polymer portfolio of V-0 products from Ticona that already meet standards for eco-friendly electrical and electronic products.

Ticona Enables Eco-Friendly Innovation
Ticona is a solutions-driven company and is well positioned to help develop eco-friendly innovations. For the ever-increasing demands of the electronics market, Ticona has a broad product line that complies with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS), which limits the use of heavy metals and brominated flame retardants such as polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). In addition to Fortron PPS, Ticona history includes:

• Development of Vectra® liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Inherently flame resistant and halogen-free without additives, Vectra LCP is a family of high-performance polymers based on patented Ticona technology. Introduced 22 years ago, the product line has evolved to include innovative grades that keep pace with market needs for thinner walls, higher temperature resistance, higher production rates, lower overall part costs and recyclability. These properties have led to Vectra LCP becoming the material of choice in many electronic applications such connectors, bobbins, switches and relays.
• The first in the industry to introduce non-halogenated flame resistant polyesters with Celanex® XFR® thermoplastic polyester (PBT) and Riteflex® XFR thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPC-ET) grades.

New Fortron PPS
This new Fortron PPS resin is in direct response to market demand for engineering polymers that can help electrical and electronic original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers produce eco-friendly products. In the past few years, European and American manufacturers have specified RoHS compliant materials for parts used in computers, mobile phones, game consoles and other information terminals. In addition, some manufacturers are beginning to control the amount of chlorine contained in products.

“Ticona has a long history of working with customers in the electronic equipment industry, specifically with the makers of high-performance connectors,” said Thomas Petzel, global business line director — Vectra LCP and Fortron PPS. “As new laws, regulations and requirements touch every aspect of an electronic device, from printed circuit boards to power cords, we’re working hand-in-hand with our customers to help them develop eco-friendly, halogen-free innovations using material solutions from Ticona for their applications.”

About Ticona and Celanese
Ticona, the engineering polymers business of Celanese Corporation, produces and markets a broad range of high performance products, and posted net sales of $1.03 billion in fiscal 2007. Ticona employs approximately 2,000 individuals at production, compounding and research facilities in the USA, Germany, Brazil and China. For more information, please visit www.ticona.com or www.ticona.cn (Chinese language).
As a global leader in the chemicals industry, Celanese Corporation makes products essential to everyday living. Our products, found in consumer and industrial applications, are manufactured in North America, Europe and Asia. Net sales totaled $6.4 billion in 2007, with approximately 70% generated outside of North America. Known for operational excellence and execution of its business strategies, Celanese delivers value to customers around the globe with innovations and best-in-class technologies. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company employs approximately 8,400 employees worldwide.

For more information on Celanese Corporation, please visit the company's website at www.celanese.com.

Except where otherwise noted, all registered trademarks are owned by Ticona or its affiliates. Fortron is a registered trademark of Fortron Industries LLC.