Ashland showcases innovations made from higher-performing, more cost-efficient resins

Shanghai, China - For years, Ashland Performance Materials (APM), a business unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), has created durable, corrosion-resistant resins used as a substitute for traditional materials such as metal and wood. Higher-performing, more cost-efficient Derakane™ resins improve manufacturing productivity and product shelf life, and also have unparalleled durability performance. Market applications include construction and building, transportation, marine, wind power and flue gas desulfurization (FGD). Examples of innovative substitutions will be on display at the China Composites Expo to be held September 2-4, 2015, in Shanghai.

"We have worked with Derakane™ brand for nearly 20 years and the Derakane is always our customers' preferred choice," said Xue Jianliang, general manager, GLD International Trade.

As one of the world's most recognizable industrial brands with a proven track record for delivering corrosion-resistance in fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) applications, Derakane™ is recognized for high strength, exceptional durability, superior heat resistance and low maintenance, even in the most challenging environments. Industrial products fabricated with Derakane™ include:

• Process vessels, piping and ducting in a variety of chemical industry applications
  
• Mineral processing vessels that store strong corrosive acids
  
• Chimney liners for flue gas desulfurization systems at coal-fired power plants
  
• Bleaching tanks used in pulp and paper manufacturing
  
• Polymer concrete electrolytic cells

"This is a big year for us," said Mike Chen, general manager, Ashland Performance Materials, Asia Pacific. "We are celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Derakane™ brand, and yesterday, we also celebrated 15 years of responsible operation at our Changzhou resin manufacturing facility. Looking ahead, we will continue providing differentiated products and services to China's composites market."

"Ashland Performance Materials is a global leader in composite resins and gelcoats. Through our differentiated functionality, we enable customers to create valued products, which improve the lives of consumers," said Andy Johnston, group vice president, Ashland Performance Materials. "As China becomes the world's biggest composites market, we see tremendous opportunities and our worldwide resources and dedicated team are ready to fulfill our commitment to our customers and partners this region."

For more information, please visit the Ashland booth at A505 during the China Composites Expo in Shanghai at the World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWECC) or ashland.com

About Ashland Performance Materials
Ashland Performance Materials is the global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins. In addition, it offers leading chemical technologies in gelcoats, intermediates and solvents. Key customers include: manufacturers of residential and commercial building products; infrastructure engineers; wind blade and pipe manufacturers; auto, truck, and boat builders. Visit ashland.com to learn more.

About Ashland
Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a global leader in providing specialty chemical solutions to customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical. Through our three business units - Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Ashland Performance Materials and Valvoline - we use good chemistry to make great things happen for customers in more than 100 countries. Visit ashland.com to learn more.

™ Trademark of Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Media relations
Ryan Li
+86 21 24024717
xi_li@ashland.com