Patented Delphi Material Prevents Fire, Retains Strength

Award-winning product applicable in both automotive and non-automotive industries

TROY, Mich., Feb. 20 -- Delphi Technologies, Inc. (DTI), a subsidiary of Delphi Corp. , is announcing its development of a Thermoplastic Elastomer Intumescent Fire Shield, a recyclable material invented to protect flammable objects from flames and decomposition due to high temperatures in automotive and other applications.

The intumescent fire shield material is made of thermoplastic elastomer, a substance resembling rubber, and can be formed by conventional plastic techniques such as extrusion, injection molding or vacuum forming. When exposed to fire the material swells to form a ceramic-like foam that acts as an effective thermal and fire shield, and maintains its physical attributes without melting or burning even after long exposure to intense heat and flames.

"The ingenuity of this product is a strong example of the intellectual capability of Delphi's scientists and engineers," said Richard Marczewski, licensing manager in Delphi's technologies licensing group. "This innovative material may benefit several different industries and is setting new levels of safety and environmental standards."

The material can be used to make individual functional parts or as a protective layer over parts made of other materials. The patented intumescent material is inexpensive, lightweight, chemically resistant, sound deadening and retains mechanical strength in the event of a fire.

In addition to automotive applications, the material can be used in residential or industrial buildings to help contain fires, slow down flame spread and protect structural beams from softening by high temperatures. For example, the inventors suggest the material could be used over walls, ceilings or floors of industrial test cells or laboratories, or on walls, ceilings, floors and inside doors to protect homes from furnace or kitchen fires.

"This technology, along with many others, demonstrates the commitment of Delphi Technologies to partner with licensing companies across a wide range of applications," said Michelle Drage, Director of Delphi Technologies licensing and commercialization organization.

The Thermoplastic Elastomer Intumescent Fire Shield was selected as one of the 100 most technologically significant products and processes of the year by R&D magazine in 2000.

For more information about Delphi Technologies, Inc., please visit the company's web site at http://www.delphi.com/dti .

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