Amodel PPA Used in Movable HVAC and Automotive Components
ALPHARETTA, Ga.--May 21, 2001--Bryant Rubber Develops Silicone Adhesion Technology for Enhanced
Reliability of Amodel Components in High-Temperature Conditions
BP Amoco announces today that Amodel(R) polyphthalamide (PPA) is being used by Bryant Rubber Corporation of Harbor City, CA, to manufacture movable HVAC and automotive components.
Bryant Rubber has developed a technology that allows selective, primerless adhesion of silicone elastomer to Amodel PPA. This innovative process allows manufacturers of components used in high-temperature environments, such as HVAC, automotive and aerospace, to efficiently and cost-effectively produce molded parts that can deliver higher reliability under extreme conditions.
Bryant's selective primerless adhesion technology uses a unique patented silicone in a proprietary manufacturing and curing process. The company's unique selective technique allows the silicone to adhere only to the polymer, not to metal, which is a critical performance advantage.
According to Rick Ziebell, vice president of technology for Bryant Rubber, "The problem has been connecting a soft seal to complex, rigid components without leaving exposed adhesive that can become active at high temperatures. For moving parts, that can lead directly to a movement failure. This is common in electronic connectors where unplugging the connector becomes impossible if errant adhesive is allowed to leach into connecting components."
According to Bryant, the company has shown a 72% cost savings in producing low-pressure natural gas components compared with using aluminum. In addition, it offers design versatility, allowing design engineers to take advantage of the performance attributes of Amodel resin, even for applications with continuous use temperatures to 350(Degree)F.
According to Chris Wilson, Amodel product manager for BP Amoco, "Amodel resin offers a combination of performance advantages over metal, including dimensional stability, chemical resistance, lighter weight and moldability. Now, with Bryant's new technology, design engineers can specify Amodel resin for most moving components that require a silicone seal and operate in high-temperature environments."
About BP Amoco Polymers
BP Amoco Polymers, Inc. is a world leader in the development and manufacture of a wide range of high performance engineering polymers that are used throughout many industries. These materials can offer excellent cost-performance advantages over metals, ceramics, and many other engineering polymers. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, in the Atlanta metro area, BP Amoco Polymers serves customers worldwide through a network of sales and service offices.
For additional information, contact BP Amoco Polymers, Customer Service, 4500 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005. Phone: 800-621-4557 or 770-772-8200. E-mail: engpolymers@bp.com. Or visit our website at www.bpamocoengpolymers.com.
About Bryant Rubber
Bryant Rubber is a manufacturer of engineered, precision molded polymer components. Bryant's specialties beyond elastomer to substrate adhesion include thin wall diaphragms and tight tolerance geometries in general. Bryant Rubber, headquartered in Harbor City, CA, has sales engineering offices located throughout the USA. For additional information, contact Bryant Rubber at info@bryantrubber.com or visit their website at www.bryantrubber.com.
For editorial assistance, feature articles and photography, contact Marla Witbrod, BP Amoco Polymers. Phone: 770-772-8451. Fax: 770-772-8730. E-mail: witbromc@bp.com.
Note: A Photo is available at URL: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.052101/bb3