Date: 20 February 2009
The capabilities of this platform also enable precipitated silicas to advance into applications not previously served.
“This revolutionary new technology platform, named for its agility in improving product performance, resulted from listening to our customers’ needs and developing a silica that offers them increased capabilities,” said Holly Cundieff, PPG global market manager for silica products. “Agilon performance silicas will enable our customers to develop more innovative solutions for the markets they serve.”
The Agilon performance silicas technology platform is a chemically modified precipitated silica that enhances the performance of products in which it is used, while increasing manufacturing efficiencies over processes using conventional silica offerings. Agilon 400 performance silica for tires is the first commercially available product from the patented technology platform.
Currently used in tire manufacturing, Agilon 400 performance silica supports the industry’s need for safer, more environmentally responsible products. When used in tire treads, Agilon 400 silica reduces rolling resistance and improves tire handling and traction. These improvements support the tire industry’s need to increase vehicle fuel efficiency and safety and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to enhancing tire performance, the new technology helps tire manufacturers to increase production efficiency and reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions for a more environmentally-responsible manufacturing process.
“In the traditional production process, silica is blended with silane at the customer site in a mixer that is not designed for this activity,” said Tim Okel, PPG senior research associate for silica products. “With Agilon 400 silica, our customers can eliminate the silica and silane mixing step, which moved upstream into PPG’s manufacturing process. This enables them to run their mixers faster and more efficiently, leading to productivity improvements while reducing the regulatory issues associated with the related alcohol emissions."
Okel added that PPG is exploring other applications for the Agilon performance silicas technology platform where increased performance, durability and strength are needed.
Paula Shepard, PPG vice president, silica products, said, “With the addition of the Agilon silicas platform, PPG continues its history of leading the industry in developing innovative and differentiated silica products for the rubber, battery separator, carrier and coatings industries. From this common development platform, we can better enable our customers to meet the demand for more advanced product offerings.”
To learn more or to request samples of Agilon silica, visit www.ppgsilica.com or call 1-800-243-6745.
About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 140 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. Sales in 2008 were $15.8 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.
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