New Vinyl Impact Modifier Achieves Highest Impact Efficiency Rating, Plus Offers Superior Gloss and Processing Performance

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Responding to needs expressed by vinyl compounders, extruders and fabricators of window profiles for enhanced impact performance, The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) today announced the availability of a new, superior vinyl impact modifier - Paraloid™ KM-X100 Pro. Tests have shown that the product’s exceptional impact efficiency should exceed all competitive offerings. This fully formulated all-acrylic material fulfills the major needs for reducing extruded vinyl processing costs: it allows lower use levels, gives a wider processing window for lower melt temperatures, and provides fast fusion for higher output rates and maintaining gloss targets. Dow states that window profiles produced with Paraloid™ KM-X100 Pro also transform vinyl window fabrication during cutting, routing and punching operations by reducing breakage and chip scrap.

“Just over a year ago we launched our Paraloid™ KM-4000/5000 series that enabled customized vinyl compounds to match specific performance requirements,” says Steve Rapacki, technical service manager for Vinyl Additives. “Now, with even better impact performance and the wider processing window made possible by Paraloid™ KM-X100 Pro, compounders have a unique opportunity to extrude window profiles that meet their specific performance requirements for superior impact resistance, higher gloss finish, and lasting durability against UV exposure.” According to Rapacki, company tests have demonstrated that Paraloid™ KM-X100 Pro toughens vinyl windows reliably across a wide range of processing conditions, and ladder studies show use levels of 4 phr and below can deliver excellent impact performance without compromising high gloss.

Vinyl window profiles lead the market for new and replacement windows because compounders and extruders are constantly improving performance and appearance. In fact, two-thirds of vinyl manufactured today finds application in numerous building and construction materials where its performance, ability to replicate desired finish texture and appearance, and colorfastness under all weather conditions hold great appeal for consumers. “We believe Paraloid™ KM-X100 Pro will please everyone in the value chain, from compound formulators who want low use cost, to those who desire to maintain the traditional toughness of vinyl window profiles,” adds Rob Martin, Dow market manager for Plastics Additives.

Dow encourages recyclability of all vinyl products. In the case of window profiles, longer life cycle and the elimination of continual painting of windows both meet the company’s principles for sustainability.

For information and sample material for testing and evaluation, contact Dow Plastics Additives at: go.rohmhaas.com/kmx100pro

About Dow
With sales of $58 billion in 2008 and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. On April 1, 2009, Dow acquired Rohm and Haas Company, a global specialty materials company with sales of $10 billion in 2008 and 15,000 employees worldwide. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

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