ASHLAND'S SPIRAL-FLOW INNOVATION BRINGS VALUE TO COMPOSITE MOLDING OPERATIONS

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ASHLAND'S SPIRAL-FLOW INNOVATION BRINGS VALUE TO COMPOSITE MOLDING OPERATIONS
27 September 2005 - Ashland Specialty Chemical Company

Understanding the flow and characterizing of thermoset plastics formulations can greatly enhance the production capabilities of most any plastics molding company. It was with this in mind, that scientists with Ashland Composite Polymers, a business group of Ashland Specialty Chemical, a division of Ashland Inc, developed a new spiral-flow tool that more accurately represents thermoset plastic production.

The technology, featuring a 2-inch spiral channel, rather than the previous industry standard of ¼-inch, was introduced by Ashland in 2003. The increase channel size more readily accepts the 1-inch glass fibers normally used in fiber reinforced plastic molding. Since that time, Ashland scientists, in cooperation with Signature Control Systems, developed dielectric cure sensors and a computer analysis program. These innovations have combined to become Ashland's Flow Analysis Cure Time System or FACTS.

"Ashland FACTS brings a comprehensive approach to analyzing thermoset compounds," said Cedric Ball, global transportation marketing manager for Ashland Composite Polymers. "Our original technology, now coupled with Signature Control System's sensors, provides a complete picture of molecular activity within a mold."

The FACT system, including the tool, software, and control sensors, will fit most 75 ton or larger compression molding presses. Each system also includes hands-on training with an Ashland composite molding expert.

Ashland Composite Polymers, a business group of Ashland Specialty Chemical, is a leader in supplying products, processes and technologies to the global marketplace for composites and gel coats.

Ashland Specialty Chemical, a division of Ashland Inc., is a leading, worldwide supplier of specialty chemicals serving industries including adhesives, automotive, composites, metal casting, merchant marine, paint, paper, plastics, watercraft and water treatment. Visit www.ashspec.com to learn more about these operations.

http://www.ashchem.com/ascc/compoly/

About: Ashland Specialty Chemical Company
Ashland is a transportation construction, chemical, and petroleum company providing innovative products, services and solutions. A Fortune 500 company, we have sales and operations throughout the United States and in more than 120 countries around the world. Our operations include four wholly owned divisions: Ashland Paving And Construction (APAC), Ashland Distribution, Ashland Specialty Chemical and Valvoline. In addition, we own 38 percent of Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC, the nation's fifth largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products.

Ashland Composite Polymers is a leading worldwide resin and gel coat supplier, serving the fiber reinforced plastics and cast polymer industry.

Ashland has invested many years of research into the development of specifically tailored products that together represent the broadest product line in the industry. Primary research and development activities are based at our company headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, USA working closely with our R&D and Product Development teams in Europe and Asia.

The full line of products, services and technology includes: Hetron epoxy vinyl ester, corrosion-resistant and fire retardant resins; Arotran world leading resin technology for the automotive market; award-winning Maxguard gel coats; Aropol polyester resins; AME premium marine resins; Modar modified acrylic resins; and Polaris resins for solid surface and cast marble.

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