September 19, 2008 09:57 AM Eastern Time 

New Foam Cell Stabilizer from Rohm and Haas is Revolutionizing Cellular PVC for Sheet Manufacturing for the Display and Signage Industries

MORGES, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Specialty materials company Rohm and Haas (NYSE:ROH) has announced a major innovation for cellular PVC manufacture. Marketed as Paraloid™ SureCel™ foam cell stabilizer, the new technology platform offers exceptional production advantages and lasting performance benefits to manufacturers of both cellular PVC foam sheet and cellular PVC extruded profiles. Rohm and Haas anticipates keen interest from many customers currently supplying foam sheet for promotional displays, as well as those producing the wide array of building materials profiles for residential and commercial construction.

“This is a radically new, breakthrough technology that promises to transform cellular PVC manufacture,” says Robin Madgwick, Rohm and Haas market manager, Building and Construction for the European Region. “We are excited to now have the ability to supply customers throughout Europe, and we believe Paraloid SureCel technology will accelerate replacement of other materials with Cellular PVC in many applications.”

Cellular PVC has become increasingly popular for use in promotional displays where sheets typically are manufactured in up to two meter widths and various thickness from 3-19mm. “Foam PVC displays must be rigid with exacting surface smoothness, free of imperfections and allowing good adhesion for inks and coatings applied by silk-screening or painted application,” explains Rohm and Haas technical service group leader for Europe, Sebastien Chevalier. “SureCel technology will be of tremendous benefit to cellular PVC manufacturers and their customers.” The company reports that this high efficiency acrylic foam cell stabilization product:

• cuts additive usage by a stunning 10 to 15 percent while producing the same amount of finished product;
• provides lower density cellular PVC with performance equal to higher density cellular PVC;
• yields even expansion and superior cell uniformity across wide sheet dies with less shrinkage;
• achieves even cell structure that reduces cellular voids;
• produces cellular PVC which exhibits a lower gloss that is easy to coat and enables good ink and paint adhesion;
• processes at a lower temperature to reduce energy consumption while also reducing decomposition and yellowing risks;
• exhibits excellent viscosity and easily substitutes into existing formulations.

Rohm and Haas is the leader in development of innovative additives technology for cellular PVC, partnering with customers from the earliest days of cellular PVC production. Continuously investing in customers’ success as the technology has grown, Rohm and Haas is now established as the premiere source for advanced cellular PVC additive technology. The company’s patented Paraloid SureCel technology can be evaluated by requesting samples for trial runs. For more information, please visit us at go.rohmhaas.com/surecel.

Cellular PVC is a durable, attractive material that mimics wood’s look and weight but provides exceptional consistency. The material handles much like wood because it’s easy to drill, nail and paint, yet its reputation for durability is legendary, since it resists water, weather, insects, and sun and mold damage. Staining, splitting and scratching also are far less likely.

About Rohm and Haas Company

Leading the way since 1909, Rohm and Haas is a global pioneer in the creation and development of innovative technologies and solutions for the specialty materials industry. The company’s technologies are found in a wide range of industries including: Building and Construction, Electronics and Electronic Devices, Household Goods and Personal Care, Packaging and Paper, Transportation, Pharmaceutical and Medical, Water, Food and Food Related, and Industrial Process. Innovative Rohm and Haas technologies and solutions help to improve life every day, around the world. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the company generated annual sales of approximately $8.9 billion in 2007. Visit www.rohmhaas.com for more information. imagine the possibilities™