DETROIT, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The revolutionary science behind
DuPont(TM) SuperSolids(TM) ultra-low emissions technology has earned the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air Excellence Award.
SuperSolids(TM) clearcoat lowers volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
more than 25 percent, while also improving scratch and mar resistance 60
percent. The EPA will present the award during a ceremony to be held March
20, in Washington, D.C.
The EPA Office of Air and Radiation annually reviews nominations
recognizing outstanding, innovative efforts that help improve air quality.
The first commercial application of SuperSolids(TM) clearcoat is on the
2002-03 Dodge Durango, produced at the DaimlerChrysler Newark, Del., assembly
plant.
"The success of SuperSolids(TM) is the result of close cooperation between
DuPont coatings experts and DaimlerChrysler's engineers to ensure this
technology delivers excellent results in actual production," said Edward J.
Donnelly, group vice president of DuPont Coatings and Color Technologies.
New analytical techniques were crucial to the research and manufacturing
development of SuperSolids(TM), which was conducted at the DuPont Experimental
Station in Wilmington, Del. and the Troy Laboratories at DuPont Automotive
headquarters in Troy, Mich.
Launched in the spring of 2002, the innovation immediately lowered VOC
emissions on the clearcoat production line by more than one quarter, in
addition to eliminating more than 80 percent of the Hazardous Air Pollutant
emissions from the complete topcoat process. The technology also reduced
odors from the painting process by 50 percent. These improvements helped the
DaimlerChrysler facility meet new permit requirements one year early.
DuPont achieves 65 percent solid content in the paint through
SuperSolids(TM), exceeding the current industry-best standard of 50 percent
solids and 50 percent solvent. DuPont has demonstrated technology to raise
solids content to nearly 90 percent, further reducing dependence on
traditional solvents to thin and disperse paint to significantly reduce
environmental impact.
These benefits are accomplished by changing the nature of oligomers, or
small polymer chains that originally have few structural properties. The
chemical innovation gives oligomers a new structure by changing the way they
react to each other. Simply stated, the solids are made to behave more like a
fluid, without requiring higher levels of solvent. SuperSolids(TM) make it
possible to use existing liquid paint equipment without additional hardware
costs for applying the paint and add-on emissions equipment, generating
potential cost savings of up to $20 million per plant.
Also, improved scratch and mar resistance enhances initial vehicle coating
appearance. Consumers can enjoy additional long-term benefits since the
finish is less prone to the appearance of fine scratches and swirls after
washing.
"SuperSolids(TM) is a remarkable new technology with considerable
potential to help vehicle manufacturers protect the environment and increase
value to consumers, without driving up costs," said Robert Matheson, manager
for strategic technology for DuPont Performance Coatings. DuPont continues to
work with DaimlerChrysler and other automotive partners to expand the use of
SuperSolids(TM) across the globe.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work
by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better,
safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a
wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture,
nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and
construction, transportation and apparel.
DuPont(TM) and SuperSolids(TM) are trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours
and Company.
SOURCE DuPont
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Related links:
http://www.dupont.com/automotive/news
CONTACT:
Terrence Cressy of DuPont Performance
Coatings, +1-248-583-8102, Fax: +1-248-583-4556,
terrence.q.cressy@usa.dupont.com ; or Keena Toth of Eisbrenner
Public Relations, +1-248-641-1446, Fax: +1-248-641-1445,
ktoth@eisbrenner.com , for DuPont
NOTE TO EDITORS: To download accompanying high-resolution images,
please see the text link embedded in this release as listed on
the automotive news page at http://www.dupont.com/automotive/news . If
you need an image over 300 dpi resolution, contact Carrie LeMieux
at Eisbrenner Public Relations, +1-248-641-1446 or
clemieux@eisbrenner.com .
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