Momentive Performance Materials Technology Featured in Science Magazine

ALBANY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An article about new iron hydrosilylation technology developed through collaboration between scientists at Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and researchers from Cornell and Princeton Universities will be featured in the February 3, 2012 issue of Science magazine. The research project has resulted in six patent applications to date for Cornell, Princeton and the global silicones and advanced materials company.

“In addition, this research may result in significant cost savings. The cost of platinum has increased by approximately 400 percent over the past ten years.”

Hydrosilylations are one of the most widely used reactions for the production of silicone and silane-based products. In addition, the hydrosilylation reaction is an important cross-linking mechanism, typically catalyzed by platinum, to promote the curing of silicone rubbers, room temperature vulcanizates (RTVs) and silicone release coatings, to name a few applications.

The collaboration between Momentive and Professor Paul Chirik began in 2008 at Cornell University to explore potential alternatives to current precious metal hydrosilylation catalysts such as platinum. This research effort continues with Dr. Chirik and his research team at Princeton University. “This project is a great example of how academia and industry can work together on fundamental research and combine to create new solutions to long standing problems,” said Dr. Chirik. “This is groundbreaking research, because it’s one of the first examples of an effective base metal catalyst capable of industrially relevant hydrosilylation.”

“This technology has the potential for significant impact on a variety of current and potential future products produced through hydrosilylations,” explained Dr. Eric Thaler, Chief Technology Officer for Momentive Performance Materials’ global Silicones and Quartz Division. “In addition, this research may result in significant cost savings. The cost of platinum has increased by approximately 400 percent over the past ten years.” The project is still in the research phase and has not yet been commercialized by Momentive.

“Momentive’s ability to deliver innovative solutions is a big part of our 71-year heritage, and we remain focused on identifying long-range innovation opportunities that can enable our growth strategies and create potential cost efficiencies,” Dr. Thaler added.

Together, Momentive Performance Materials and its sister operating company, Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc., operate 104 manufacturing plants and employ more than 10,000 associates around the world.

About Momentive Performance Materials Inc.

Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is a global leader in silicones and advanced materials, with a 70+ year heritage of being first to market with performance applications for major industries that support and improve everyday life. The company delivers science-based solutions, by linking custom technology platforms to opportunities for customers. Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC. Additional information is available at www.momentive.com.

About the New Momentive

Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC is the ultimate parent company of Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. (collectively, the “new Momentive”). The new Momentive is a global leader in specialty chemicals and materials, with a broad range of advanced specialty products that help industrial and consumer companies support and improve everyday life. The company uses its technology portfolio to deliver tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of its customers around the world. The new Momentive was formed in 2010 through the combination of entities that indirectly owned Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Hexion Specialty Chemicals Inc. The company is controlled by investment funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, LLC.