DuPont Announces High Performance Polyamide Capacity Increase


Reflects Growing Demand for Advanced Materials



WILMINGTON, Del. — DuPont Performance Polymers today announced it increased production of fast-growing DuPont™ Zytel® HTN PPA manufactured at its Richmond, Va., facility by 10 percent to meet growing global market demand in automotive and consumer electronics markets.  Richmond, which uses a continuous polymerization process, is the largest Zytel® HTN production facility in DuPont.



DuPont, the largest, most globally networked nylon manufacturer focused on the engineering polymers market with a complete range of PA66, PA6, PPA and specialty nylon offerings, is not disclosing expansion details, but does announce this as the first in a series of global expansion plans.



"Zytel® HTN PPA fills a valuable need because it bridges the performance gap between nylon and more expensive specialty polymers while maintaining ease of processing," said Brian Fish, DuPont Performance Polymers global business manager, high performance polyamides.  "This allows component designers to replace more metal for lighter weight components or to replace other materials to deliver lower overall system costs."



Zytel® HTN PPA is often used by the automotive industry to make engine cooling components, such as thermostat housings and water pumps, and to make powertrain components, such as charged air coolers, transmission housings, engine oil systems, brake systems, ignition systems and motors. In electrical and electronics markets, Zytel® HTN PPA often is used to make lead-free SMT (surface mount technology) and traditional connectors, high voltage insulators and structural components for hand-held devices.



"Demand is growing in the automotive industry because Zytel® HTN PPA can stand up to long-term exposure in aggressive temperature and chemical environments that stretch the performance capabilities of standard nylon 66," said Fish.  "In the electronics and hand-held device market, Zytel® HTN is a go-to resin because of its performance, dimensional stability and its ability to withstand lead-free soldering environments." 



DuPont produces finished products to global standards in each region of the world as part of its strong global network to help ensure sustainable supply and rapid response to customer supply and innovation needs.



2015 marks the 20th anniversary of when DuPont introduced Zytel® HTN and DuPont continues to expand capacity and develop new products for the portfolio, which now consists of six different families targeted to deliver specific benefits. "We plan to continue to extend and expand the portfolio of HTN resins by working with our customers to create new solutions for ever-more challenging applications and environments," said Fish.



DuPont Performance Polymers works with customers throughout the world to help improve the performance, sustainability and cost of components used in automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, health care, medical and other diversified industries.  DuPont supports product development efforts with more than 40 manufacturing, development and research centers and technical teams to help ensure ideas can go to market quickly and cost effectively.



DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802.  The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment.  For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com



Contacts:

Carole Davies

248-583-8112

carole.a.davies@dupont.com


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