Rhodia Polyamide has developed TECHNYL® XCell Polyamide 6.6 and 6 grades optimised for the MuCell® Process

Düsseldorf, Germany – October 24, 2007 – At K 2007, Rhodia Polyamide is presenting its TECHNYL® XCell 6.6 and 6 polyamide grades optimised for the MuCell® Process. These new grades are the first technology deliverables from Rhodia as part of its recently signed global co-marketing and development agreement with Trexel Inc. As partners to the agreement, Rhodia actively develops and commercialises new material technology optimised for the MuCell® Process, and Trexel works exclusively with Rhodia for polyamide applications.

The Rhodia/Trexel strategy is to work together to bring new value to applications in a variety of important polyamide markets. In automotive, for example, this novel material/process combination brings new levels of value and performance to under-the-hood applications such as rocker covers and air intake manifolds. It also opens the way for the development of a new generation of polyamide applications in general.

TECHNYL® XCell offers enhanced processability and good property retention when used in the MuCell® Process, while maintaining excellent surface appearance.

“The combination allows Rhodia and Trexel to approach customers with a complete system combining both resin and processing expertise,” said François Hinckel, Rhodia’s vice president for Engineering Plastics Business.

The response from trials has shown that TECHNYL® XCell permits a density saving of at least 10% while retaining outstanding rigidity, heat deflection temperature and notched impact performance.

Additional advantages offered by these new materials when used with the MuCell® Process include less warpage, faster injection moulding, lower injection pressure and lower moulded-in stress.

Reader enquiries

Rhodia Polyamide
Avenue Ramboz
F-69192 Saint-Fons Cedex
France
+33 4 72 89 27 53
anne-elisabeth.mourey@​eu.rhodia.com
www.eu.rhodia.com

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Notes for editors

About the MuCell® Process

The MuCell® microcellular foam injection moulding technology is a complete process and equipment technology which facilitates extremely high quality and greatly reduces production costs. The MuCell® Process involves the controlled use of gas in its supercritical state to create a foamed part. For injection moulding applications, the MuCell® Technology is targeted at precision and engineered plastic components.

The quality advantages of the MuCell® Process are complemented by certain direct economic advantages, including the ability to produce 20-30% more parts per hour on a given moulding machine, and the ability to mold parts on lower tonnage machines as a result of the viscosity reduction and the elimination of the packing requirement that accompanies the use of supercritical gas.

Trexel Inc., located in Woburn, Massachusetts is an investor and employee-owned company specializing in the development and commercialization of microcellular foamed processes for the plastics industry. Trexel has Sales and Support Offices in key regions of the world, and also has many alliances with equipment companies, contract manufacturers, materials suppliers, and premier moulding organizations, all dedicated to the optimal use of the MuCell Process to improve quality and reduce manufacturing costs.

Rhodia Polyamide is Rhodia's fully integrated enterprise focusing on Polyamide 6.6. Its strategy rests on three pillars: a high worldwide competitiveness of intermediates & polymers along with strong development of the industrial footprint in fast growing regions; the strengthening of engineering plastics as a growth engine; and a focus on Asia and Brazil as priority regions for expansion beyond our European base. In South America, Rhodia Polyamide also holds strong positions in phenol and adiponitrile route, industrial yarns and fibers. For further details about Rhodia Polyamide visit the website at www.rhodia-polyamide.com.

Rhodia, a chemist, leader in its businesses, is an international industrial group resolutely committed to sustainable development. The Group aims to improve its customers' performance through the pursuit of operational excellence and its ability to innovate. Structured around seven Enterprises, Rhodia is the partner of major players in the automotive, tire, electronics, perfume, health and beauty and home care markets. The Group generated sales of €4.8 billion in 2006 and employs around 16,000 people worldwide. Rhodia is listed on Euronext Paris.

For further details about the Group, visit Rhodia’s website at: www.rhodia.com.