Ashland launches Hetron™ FR 650T-20, a new high-strength fire retardant resin

DUBLIN, Ohio – In response to the need for a versatile, high-performance fire retardant polyester resin, Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), has developed Hetron FR 650T-20 resin. This new high-strength resin is a low-viscosity, promoted, thixotropic polyester with exceptional fire retardant properties.

“Ashland recognized the need to move away from some more volatile fire retardant ingredients and developed a new cost-effective chemistry that will better serve the needs of the market,” said Thom Johnson, Fire Retardant Composite industry manager, Ashland Performance Materials. He also added that “properly fabricated laminates made with Hetron FR 650T-20 resin can achieve Class I flame spread rating in ASTM E-84 testing without the use of antimony synergists.”

Hetron FR 650T-20 is ideally suited for hand lay-up, spray-up and filament-winding applications. It exhibits excellent wet out properties and low drainage when applied to vertical surfaces. Its flame retardant properties make it especially attractive for use in mass transit, architectural, electrical and ducting applications.

To learn more about the new Hetron FR 650T-20, please visit Ashland at booth No. 1153 at the upcoming Composites 2012 show in Las Vegas, Nev., Feb. 21-23, 2012. Or, contact your Ashland representative directly to learn more about the product.

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

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, food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our four commercial units—Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Ashland Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials and Ashland Consumer Markets.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Media Relations
Karen Barnish
+1 614-790-4025
kbarnish@ashland.com