Momentive Performance Materials Celebrates Fifty Years of Achievement and Innovation in Polyurethane Foam Technology
Niax* Brand of Urethane Additives Still a Leader at 50
ALBANY, N.Y., April 17, 2012 — Momentive Performance Materials Inc., a leading global provider of silicones and advanced materials, celebrates five decades of technological achievement in the global polyurethane foam industry as its venerable Niax* brand passes the 50-year mark. Momentive’s legacy of breakthrough innovation in foam technology dates back to a heritage that is linked to Union Carbide Corporation, one of only three companies ever inducted into the Flexible Polyurethane Foam Hall of Fame for contributions to the foam industry.
Through continual investment in Niax platform technology over the past 50 years, Momentive’s urethane additives business has introduced a steady stream of new products that have helped revolutionize polyurethane foam production. These market firsts include the development of the first non-hydrolyzable silicone surfactant, the first flame retardant (FR) surfactant and the first high resilience silicone surfactant.
“Being a global technology leader has been our key to success in the industries we serve,” said Tony Lanchak, Global Business Director - Urethane Additives, Momentive Performance Materials and vice-chair of the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Polyurethanes 2012 Technical Conference coming in September. “What sets us apart is our ability to research, develop and test diverse technologies that address the variety of industry trends and issues that matter most to our customers. And given the industry’s ongoing interest in increasing productivity, we are always seeking to enhance the versatility of our additives so that they can offer multiple benefits. This makes the science and chemistry behind our solutions quite complex, and few companies can match the technical prowess, the resources and the ability to serve many applications that Momentive has amassed over the years.”
In the slab, or flexible, foam segment that serves the furniture and bedding industries, Momentive’s current technology focus includes achieving:
- Reductions in emissions and foam flammability, including the potential to decrease FR additive levels
- Development of products that offer multi-functionality and drive foam performance improvements, including foam resilience and durability
- Increased productivity
- Improved sustainability
In molded foam for the automotive industry, Momentive’s priorities include:
- Reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and fogging
- Weight reduction
- Greater yield
- Easier transition between TDI and MDI systems
In rigid foam for the appliance sector as well as the building and construction industries, Momentive is continually working toward:
- Improving thermal insulation
- Reducing flammability
- Maintaining structural integrity
- Eliminating sub-surface voids
- Optimizing adhesion
Momentive’s focus in the microcellular foam segment is driven by specialty niche requirements in the carpet, footwear, electronics and other industries, where Momentive’s success is largely enabled by proprietary ABn platform technologies in silicones.
“Through our truly global infrastructure, we can commercialize solutions quickly and serve our customers effectively,” Mr. Lanchak said. “The majority of our business is outside of the U.S. and in fast-growing economies where the demand for cars, household appliances, building materials, consumer goods and the multitude of other products that use polyurethane foam is surging. With major R&D centers of excellence, application development centers and manufacturing facilities located strategically around the world, we can continue offering one of the most effective and comprehensive portfolios of urethane additives globally.”
Recent Niax product introductions are highlighted at our Niax web page.
For additional information, please call 800.295.2392 in North America (+1 614 986 2495 everywhere else), email 4information@momentive.com or visit www.momentive.com.
About Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is a global leader in silicones and advanced materials, with a 70+ year heritage of being first to market with performance applications for major industries that support and improve everyday life. The company delivers science-based solutions, by linking custom technology platforms to opportunities for customers. Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Hexion Holdings LLC. Additional information is available at www.momentive.com.
About Momentive
Hexion Holdings LLC is the ultimate parent company of Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Hexion Inc. (collectively, “Momentive”). Momentive is a global leader in specialty chemicals and materials, with a broad range of advanced specialty products that help industrial and consumer companies support and improve everyday life. The company uses its technology portfolio to deliver tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of its customers around the world. Momentive was formed in October 2010 through the combination of entities that indirectly owned Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Hexion Specialty Chemicals Inc. The capital structures and legal entity structures of both Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Hexion Inc. (formerly known as Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc.), and their respective subsidiaries and direct parent companies, remain separate. Momentive Performance Materials Inc. and Hexion Inc. file separate financial and other reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Momentive is controlled by investment funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, LLC. Additional information about Momentive and its products is available at www.momentive.com.
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*Niax is a trademark of Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
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