Ashland focuses on growth in composites technologies at 2011 ICERP exhibition

NAVI MUMBAI, India – Growing composite adoption and use in non-traditional outlets is a goal of Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH). In an effort to grow this market, Ashland will be showcasing its leading technologies for the composites industry at booth G-8 during the International Conference and Exhibition on Reinforced Plastics (ICERP) from March 2 – 4, in Mumbai, India.

“The challenge for our future lies in our ability to promote to and educate our stakeholders on the advantages of materials substitution to increase composite usage,” said Stefan Osterwind, commercial director of Europe, Middle East, Africa and India for Ashland Performance Materials. Osterwind, who is scheduled to address the attendees at the exposition, added, “The benefits of composites over traditional materials, such as steel, aluminum, concrete or timber, are clear to us. Composites are lightweight, corrosion resistant and fire retardant, and can deliver improved life-cycle costs while enhancing safety.”  

During the show, Ashland will highlight Derakane™ and Hetron™ epoxy vinyl ester resin technologies, Pliogrip™ structural adhesives, the unique Instint™ gelcoat color service, Maxguard™ and Enguard™ gelcoats,  and more. A team of local Ashland experts will be available to discuss the performance and process benefits these technologies deliver to a wide variety of composite manufacturers serving the wind power and energy generation, transportation, building and construction, and marine industries.

“Ashland is committed to bringing state-of-the-art technologies and new, sustainable products to our customers in India, and around the world,” said Vivek Singh, general manager, Ashland Performance Materials in India. “Today, we’re helping our customers create stronger, lighter, more resistant substitutes for traditional materials through higher-performing, cost-efficient resins, adhesives and gelcoats that improve the manufacturing, fabrication and design process. We’re excited for the opportunity to visit with customers and fabricators where we can reinforce our capabilities for driving performance and innovation in today’s composites applications in the Indian market.”

During the ICERP conference, Ashland will be introducing Maxguard NP gelcoats with a presentation focused on the features of this patented low-emission technology. Maxguard NP gelcoats give fabricators a new option for reducing their styrene emissions, while improving key performance criteria of their end products, such as resistance to yellowing and gloss retention.
“Composite manufacturers in North America and Europe have been aggressively driving towards lower emissions and sustainable solutions,” added Osterwind. “Ashland is proud to partner with these manufacturers and help them realize their goals by providing product solutions that are ecologically considerate.”

Ashland Performance Materials is the global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and epoxy vinyl ester resins.  In addition, it provides customers with leading technologies in gelcoats, and pressure-sensitive and structural adhesives.

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our five commercial units – Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution.

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