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GE Advanced Materials, Plastics today introduced a tough, custom-colorable thermoplastic LNP* compound that offers permanent antistatic, electrostatic dissipative (ESD) performance with UL* 94 V-0 flame retardancy at 1.5 mm. New LNP STAT-LOY* PCA FR 94 V-0 compound uses impact-resistant CYCOLOY* resin from GE as its base material. It is targeted for use in electronic components, as well as in medical and consumer applications where the potentially damaging discharge of static electricity is a concern.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), integrated circuits, and circuit boards can be damaged beyond repair by a discharge as low as 20 V. Static electricity can also lead to dust buildup, which in turn can reduce aesthetics and impair electronic device functioning. By dissipating static charges and insulating against leakage of moderate electrical currents, LNP STAT-LOY PCA FR 94 V-0 compound can help to minimize the risk of catastrophic failures and increase the operating life of components.

The new GE product also helps to diminish the buildup of dust without compromising cosmetic surface appearance. It achieves surface resistivities of 1011 ohms/sq per ASTM D257 and has an exceptional static decay rate (Mil-B-81705B) of <2 sec. LNP STAT-LOY PCA FR 94 V-0 compound is also non-sloughing – a vital property in clean room environments – with isotropic shrinkage reducing warpage concerns.

Many plastics have traditionally achieved antistatic properties through spraying, dipping, or blending with chemicals that attract atmospheric moisture to create a conductive layer on the surface of a part. However, moisture is undesirable in many electronics applications and antistatic agents often require a minimum 15% relative humidity level to function. Furthermore, the antistatic properties of such materials are not permanent and performance can gradually diminish due to physical wear or evaporation.

In contrast, the LNP STAT-LOY PCA FR 94 V-0 product is compounded to make finished parts permanently antistatic. Because these antistatic properties are permanent, they cannot wear off or evaporate and do not require humidity to function. Further, the conductive properties permeate the entire part. Unlike many ESD materials, LNP STAT-LOY PCA FR 94 V-0 compound can be customized in a wide color range without sacrificing FR performance.

The new LNP STAT-LOY compound's impact values are Notched Izod of 587 J/M, Unnotched Izod of 1,980 J/M, and Instrumented Impact (energy to failure) of 51.4 J.

According to Jim Fagan, Americas product manager, GE Advanced Materials, Plastics, "LNP STAT-LOY PCA FR 94 V-0 compound is opening up new opportunities among GE's global customer base. The impact strength and aesthetics of CYCOLOY PC/ABS resin combined with the ESD and antistatic capabilities of our innovative filler technology, are generating a lot of interest. Until now, there has been a largely unmet need when it comes to these capabilities."

About GE Advanced Materials
GE Advanced Materials is a world leader in providing materials solutions through engineering thermoplastics, silicon-based products and technology platforms, and fused quartz and ceramics. Among its businesses are:
· Plastics – which is a global plastics materials supplier and distributor, serving customers in a variety of industries including aerospace, appliances, automotive, building and construction, data storage and optical media, medical, electrical and electronics devices, telecommunications, computers and peripheral devices, outdoor vehicles and devices, and packaging (http://www.geplastics.com).

· Silicones – which includes GE Toshiba Silicones in the Pacific region and GE Bayer Silicones in Europe, offers silanes, specialty silicones, urethane additives, adhesives, sealants, resins, and elastomers for a variety of industries such as personal care, automotive, tire and rubber, construction, healthcare, electronics, household and institutional, agriculture, textiles, appliances, bedding and furnishings, foam control, and consumer (http://www.gesilicones.com).

· Quartz – which provides high-purity quartz and advanced ceramic materials for the semiconductor, telecommunications, lighting, electronics, personal care, water purification, and various other industries (http://www.gequartz.com).

GE (NYSE:GE) is a diversified technology, media, and financial services company dedicated to creating products that make life better. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging, television programming, and plastics, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.ge.com.