EPA Honors DuPont(TM) SuperSolids(TM) Coatings Technology

DETROIT, March 5 -- The revolutionary science behind DuPont(TM) SuperSolids(TM) ultra-low emissions technology has earned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air Excellence Award. SuperSolids(TM) clearcoat lowers volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions more than 25 percent, while also improving scratch and mar resistance 60 percent. The EPA will present the award during a ceremony to be held March 20, in Washington, D.C.

The EPA Office of Air and Radiation annually reviews nominations recognizing outstanding, innovative efforts that help improve air quality. The first commercial application of SuperSolids(TM) clearcoat is on the 2002-03 Dodge Durango, produced at the DaimlerChrysler Newark, Del., assembly plant.

"The success of SuperSolids(TM) is the result of close cooperation between DuPont coatings experts and DaimlerChrysler's engineers to ensure this technology delivers excellent results in actual production," said Edward J. Donnelly, group vice president of DuPont Coatings and Color Technologies.

New analytical techniques were crucial to the research and manufacturing development of SuperSolids(TM), which was conducted at the DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington, Del. and the Troy Laboratories at DuPont Automotive headquarters in Troy, Mich.

Launched in the spring of 2002, the innovation immediately lowered VOC emissions on the clearcoat production line by more than one quarter, in addition to eliminating more than 80 percent of the Hazardous Air Pollutant emissions from the complete topcoat process. The technology also reduced odors from the painting process by 50 percent. These improvements helped the DaimlerChrysler facility meet new permit requirements one year early.

DuPont achieves 65 percent solid content in the paint through SuperSolids(TM), exceeding the current industry-best standard of 50 percent solids and 50 percent solvent. DuPont has demonstrated technology to raise solids content to nearly 90 percent, further reducing dependence on traditional solvents to thin and disperse paint to significantly reduce environmental impact.

These benefits are accomplished by changing the nature of oligomers, or small polymer chains that originally have few structural properties. The chemical innovation gives oligomers a new structure by changing the way they react to each other. Simply stated, the solids are made to behave more like a fluid, without requiring higher levels of solvent. SuperSolids(TM) make it possible to use existing liquid paint equipment without additional hardware costs for applying the paint and add-on emissions equipment, generating potential cost savings of up to $20 million per plant.

Also, improved scratch and mar resistance enhances initial vehicle coating appearance. Consumers can enjoy additional long-term benefits since the finish is less prone to the appearance of fine scratches and swirls after washing.

"SuperSolids(TM) is a remarkable new technology with considerable potential to help vehicle manufacturers protect the environment and increase value to consumers, without driving up costs," said Robert Matheson, manager for strategic technology for DuPont Performance Coatings. DuPont continues to work with DaimlerChrysler and other automotive partners to expand the use of SuperSolids(TM) across the globe.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

DuPont(TM) and SuperSolids(TM) are trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

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