KSS Relies on Ticona Impact-Modified Hostaform® POM to Help Automotive Safety System Absorb High G Forces


Florence, Ky., Sulzbach, Germany, Shanghai - Key Safety Systems (KSS), a leading global supplier of advanced engineered safety products, is using the latest generation of impact modified Hostaform® acetal copolymer (POM) from Ticona Engineering Polymers to strengthen the safety system used since December in the European Volkswagen Up! subcompact.

KSS specified Hostaform S9364 XAP²(TM) from Ticona, a special low-emission grade of the impact-modified POM, for the ratchet wheel of their new seat belt retractor system and the ejector in the belt buckle. The high-impact toughness and rigidity of the new Hostaform POM enables the injection molded parts to absorb very high G forces while retaining its high strength and stability.

"The new generation of impact-modified Hostaform POM allows Ticona to offer tailored material solutions to specifically meet the challenging requirements of the automotive industry," said Michael Hörr, project manager, Ticona Automotive Business Unit. "Its unique property profile of impact toughness, stability and joint line strength deliver a solution that can help to enhance molded part designs and, thus, reduce part costs."

KSS is contributing innovative and economic solutions to assist automakers in solving challenges for subcompacts such as the Volkswagen Up!, an example of what low-emission cars may be in the future. This class of cars has a small and lightweight design that also allows innovative power train systems. Despite their relative low cost, these cars still meet the very challenging requirements of quality, convenience and safety.

Impact-Modified Hostaform POM for the Automotive Industry

Low-emission Hostaform S9364 XAP² is an enhanced formulation of Hostaform S 9362, 9363 and 9364, the latest generation of Hostaform S products from Ticona. This product series is marked by their advanced impact toughness and weld-line strength. With emissions already lower than the limits required by the automotive industry today, Hostaform S9364 XAP² provides the properties needed for vehicle interiors such as chemical and scratch resistance and high-temperature dimensional stability. It also retains excellent mechanical strength over a wide temperature range.

Next generation Hostaform S-series POM is a material of choice for many applications, specifically in the automotive industry. With excellent chemical resistance, mechanical properties and thermal stability, it provides:

o Service temperatures between -40 degrees Celsius and 80 degrees Celsius

o Low water absorption

o Excellent mechanical and tribological properties

o High-level chemical resistance

"Hostaform S9364 XAP², with its special combination of properties, may translate into cornerstones of innovative solutions for meeting stricter requirements for reduced weight and lower emissions while supporting economically efficient production," said Hörr.

About Ticona and Celanese

Ticona, the engineering polymers business of Celanese Corporation, produces and markets a broad range of high performance products, and posted net sales of $1,298 million in fiscal 2011. Ticona employs more than 1,500 individuals at production, compounding and research facilities in the USA, Germany, Brazil and China. For more information, please visit www.ticona.com or www.ticona.cn (Chinese language).

Celanese Corporation is a global technology leader in the production of specialty materials and chemical products that are used in most major industries and consumer applications. Our products, essential to everyday living, are manufactured in North America, Europe and Asia.

Known for operational excellence, sustainability and premier safety performance, Celanese delivers value to customers around the globe with best-in-class technologies. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company employs approximately 7,600 employees worldwide and had 2011 net sales of $6.8 billion, with approximately 73% generated outside of North America. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its global product offerings, visit www.celanese.com or the company's blog at www.celaneseblog.com.

About Key Safety Systems

Key Safety Systems is a globally leading supplier to all notable motor vehicle manufacturers. Its engineering and series production efforts are focussed on safety systems and modules for airbags, seat belts, steering wheels, and electronic components. For further information about KSS, browse the web for www.keysafetyinc.com.

All registered trademarks are owned by Ticona or its affiliates.

Tailored Material Solution - Hostaform® S9364 XAP²(TM) from Ticona, a special low-emission grade of the impact-modified POM, is used for the ratchet wheel of a seat belt retractor system from Key Safety Systems.

Americas:

Robert Shaw, Manager, B2B Marketing Communications

+1-859-372-3117

Robert.Shaw@Ticona.com

Europe:

Henning Küll, Public Relations Manager

+49-69-45009-1797

Henning.Kuell@Ticona.de

Asia:

Amber Zhao, Marketing Communications

+86-21-3861-9222

tong.zhao@ticona.com

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