EVERBERG, Belgium, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new technology for fire-retarding polyisocyanurate (PIR) sandwich panels will be launched by Huntsman at this year's UTECH Europe exhibition and conference (Maastricht, The Netherlands, March 31 - April 2, Huntsman stand 1210).
Using the trademark INSPIRE(R), the new technology will differentiate from competitor products by not requiring an adhesive layer between the foam and the steel facings. INSPIRE(R) PIR technology is characterized by an easy foam processing and a competitive density - both in line with European market requirements.
Nick Webster, European Vice President for Huntsman's Polyurethanes division said: "PIR sandwich panels currently have a small market share in the European sandwich panel market, but we expect this technology will grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by new fire legislation and insurance company requirements." He added: "New INSPIRE(R) PIR technology places Huntsman in an excellent position to take a significant share of this more specialised and higher quality panel business."
Huntsman will offer three different INSPIRE(R) PIR technology configurations with low, medium and high NCO-index, to suit customer needs. PIR foam has many of the traditional advantages of polyurethane foam, such as light weight, excellent thermal conductivity and moisture resistance, but with superior fire properties. PIR production involves a higher proportion of MDI, resulting in a thermally more stable product. Until the development of INSPIRE(R) technology, PIR adhesion to steel was more problematic than for polyurethane, hence the former need for an extra adhesive layer.
A paper on INSPIRE(R) PIR entitled "New INSPIRE(R) adhesive-free PIR technology for sandwich panels" and written by Alexander Abati, Domenico Stragapede, Josep Gimeno and Kristof Dedecker will be presented by Huntsman at the UTECH Europe conference at 15.50 hrs on Tuesday, March 31 (Rigid Foam Session A, Auditorium B).
In addition to INSPIRE(R) PIR, Huntsman's Polyurethanes division will be showcasing an extensive range of products and services for insulation, ACE, footwear, automotive, bedding and furniture and engineered wood products.
Six other papers will be presented at the UTECH Europe conference highlighting Huntsman novelties and improvements:
- "Recent developments in low emission catalysis for flexible foams" by Ron Herrington and Gabor Felber (Tuesday, March 31 at 16.10 hrs, Automotive Session, Auditorium A).
- "New MDI-based microcellular polyurethane elastomer technology for high-performance automotive suspension applications" by Hugo Verbeke and Oliver Kuisle (Tuesday, March 31 at 17.10 hrs, Automotive Session, Auditorium A).
- "Rheo-kinetics and fluid dynamics modelling for the pultrusion of PU composites" by Mark Brennan, Michael Connolly and Roel Van Boxel (Wednesday, April 1 at 11.00 hrs, Innovation Session, Auditorium B).
- "An analysis of the PU industry's contribution to sustainable development" by Shpresa Kotaji (Wednesday, April 1, 14.00 hrs, Safety, Health and Environment Session, Auditorium B).
- "Combustibility: beyond fire performance considerations" by Diane Daems (Wednesday, April 1 at 15.50 hrs, Safety, Health and Environment Session, Auditorium B).
- "New prepolymers for polyurea with increased resistance" by Geert Dries, Stijn Roekaerts and Thorsten Gurke (Thursday, April 2 at 10.20 hours, Polyureas Session, Auditorium B).
About Huntsman Polyurethanes:
Huntsman Polyurethanes is a leading producer of MDI, a key ingredient in the production of polyurethanes and also produces flexible and rigid polyethers, polyesters, polyether amines, polyurea amines, propylene oxide, polyols, fully formulated polyurethane systems and TPUs for the automotive, footwear, coatings & adhesives, construction, furniture, appliances and packaging industries. Huntsman's Polyurethanes division has 2,300 employees in more than 60 countries and 2007 revenues of approximately US$3.5 billion.
About Huntsman:
Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals. Its operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries, including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging. Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging and, later, for rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman today has 13,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide. The Company had 2007 revenues of approximately $10 billion. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at http://www.huntsman.com/.
Forward Looking Statements:
Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. In addition, the completion of any transactions described in this release is subject to a number of uncertainties and closing will be subject to approvals and other customary conditions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such transactions will be completed or that the company's expectations will be realized. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.
Note: INSPIRE(R) is a registered trademark of Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof in one or more, but not all, countries.
