EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL INTRODUCES VISTAMAXX SPECIALTY ELASTOMERS FOR NEXT-GENERATION SOLUTIONS
24 June 2003 - ExxonMobil Chemical Co

Derived from ExxonMobil's proprietary EXXPOL® metallocene catalyst technology and polymerization reactor processes, Vistamaxx products can improve the elasticity, softness, adhesion, strength and durability of customers' products. Ease of processing and compatibility with a wide variety of polymers also offer developers and innovators an opportunity to explore next-generation solutions."

Vistamaxx specialty elastomers further demonstrate why ExxonMobil Chemical is recognized as the leader in metallocene technology and the pre-eminent supplier of elastomers," said Mary Ahner, vice president, ExxonMobil Chemical Ethylene Elastomers. "This addition gives our company one of the broadest portfolios of ethylene elastomers in the world."

Current ExxonMobil Chemical customers are evaluating Vistamaxx specialty elastomers in a variety of applications to improve the capabilities and breadth of their product portfolios. "The potential for metallocene catalysts to produce novel olefin products has been a topic of discussion in the chemical business for years, although products based on these concepts have been slow to materialize since ExxonMobil Chemical first introduced plastomers more than 10 years ago," said Jim McKinley, global marketing manager, ExxonMobil Chemical Ethylene Elastomers.

"Vistamaxx products have unique properties and attributes beyond what is possible with plastomers and represent a true step-out technology," he said. "We anticipate customers will be able to add value to their products and advance their technologies in ways not possible prior to the introduction of Vistamaxx specialty elastomers."

A broad range of Vistamaxx compositions and composition distributions, as well as process and major applications are also protected intellectual property (IP) of ExxonMobil Chemical, adding to its IP assets in ethylene elastomer products. "Because of our broad IP stake, we believe our products allow customers to maintain a technological edge that they can use to their advantage," McKinley said.

Vistamaxx specialty elastomers will be manufactured for worldwide distribution at a newly built production facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, using Exxpol® metallocene catalyst technology.

"The investment in this new facility clearly demonstrates an ongoing commitment to our customers," McKinley said. "We will have a multi-product platform with flexibility to adjust the plant's product mix to meet the changing needs of our customers."

Commercial quantities of Vistamaxx specialty elastomers - in the form of free-flowing pellets - are expected to be available in the first half of 2004. ExxonMobil Chemical introduced Vistamaxx specialty elastomers in Chicago during NPE 2003 sponsored by the Society of the Plastics Industry.

Other ExxonMobil Chemical ethylene elastomer products marketed globally include Exact® plastomers, Vistalon® EP(D)M, Exxelor chemically modified polymers, and Santoprene® thermoplastic elastomers. These products are used in a variety of applications in markets that include automotive, construction, electrical, food packaging and consumer goods.

http://www.exxonmobilchemical.com

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