Huntsman to Develop New Resin for Fuel Cell Production
THE WOODLANDS, Tex., January 12, 2007 -- Huntsman Advanced Materials announced today that it is working in partnership with GrafTech International (NYSE: GTI) subsidiary Advanced Energy Technology (AET) to develop a new binder formulation for use in bi-polar plates that comprise fuel cells for automotive and military vehicles. Based on patented AZYRAL® halogen-free resin chemistries, the new binder formulation will play an integral role in supporting the objective of developing fuel cells that are both cost-effective to manufacture and durable in service. Funding for the fuel cell program was awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy to a consortium of companies. In addition to AET and Huntsman Advanced Materials, project partners include Ballard Power Systems and Case Western Reserve University.
The AZYRAL resin-based binder now being formulated will be used with AET's GRAFCELL® expanded natural graphite to create corrosion-resistant, lightweight flow-field plates aimed at Proton Exchange Membranes (PEM) fuel cell technology. Like other products in the AZYRAL product family, the new resin will be a halogen-free material with a low viscosity to accommodate automated application. The resin will also combine a low dielectric constant and low dissipation factor with good surface and volume resistivity as well as good high-temperature stability for reliable, long-lasting fuel cell operation.
Once completed, the new GRAFCELL® bi-polar plates will be evaluated by Ballard Power System for use in fuel cell stacks. Case Western Reserve University has been granted funding to conduct comprehensive testing on the new products.
Huntsman anticipates that the new binder will work in synergy with the physical performance capabilities of GRAFCELL® natural graphite and AET's efficient, economical manufacturing processes to produce fuel cells that will power pollution-free cars of the future.
About Advanced Energy Technology, Inc.
A subsidiary of GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE: GTI), Advanced Energy Technology, Inc. (AET) is part of a global company with more than 100 years of experience in carbon and graphite. AET manufactures a wide range of natural graphite products for industry-leading companies around the world under its eGRAF®, GRAFCELL®, GRAFOIL® and GRAFGUARD® branded product lines. The company provides award-winning solutions for thermal management, fuel cell, industrial and automotive fluid sealing applications within the consumer and industrial electronics, military, telecommunications, transportation, power generation and petrochemical industries. For additional information about AET, visit the company's website at www.graftechaet.com.
About GrafTech International Ltd.
GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE: GTI) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and providers of high quality synthetic and natural graphite and carbon based products and technical and research and development services, with customers in 80 countries engaged in the manufacture of steel, silicon metal, automotive products and electronics. We manufacture graphite electrodes, products essential to the production of electric arc furnace steel. We also manufacture thermal management, fuel cell and other specialty graphite and carbon products for, and provide services to, the electronics, power generation, semiconductor, transportation, petrochemical and other metals markets. We operate 13 state of the art manufacturing facilities strategically located on four continents. For additional information on GrafTech International, visit the company's website at www.graftech.com.
About Huntsman
Huntsman Corporation (NYSE:HUN) is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and commodity chemicals. Its operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging. Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging, and later, rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman today has 15,000 employees and 78 operations in 24 countries. The Company had 2005 revenues of $13 billion. For additional information about Huntsman, visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.
CONTACT:
Maria Pate
Huntsman Advanced Materials
281-719-7560
