WILTON, Conn., Aug. 7, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- GE Advanced Materials, Silicones today announced the launch of NXT Z(a) silane, a breakthrough material that helps manufacturers of silica tires reduce production costs, virtually eliminate ethanol emissions and produce a higher performing tire.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2786
The latest in the GE family of NXT silane materials, NXT Z silane facilitates mixing silica with rubber for silica tire treads, without generating ethanol during the compounding and manufacturing steps. In addition, NXT Z silane helps to reduce manufacturing costs by enabling single-step mixing, using temperatures as high as 170 degrees Centigrade without causing viscosity increase or premature vulcanization. NXT Z silane is an excellent candidate to enable tire manufacturers to enhance the wear, traction and rolling resistance properties of silica tires and also to reduce ethanol emissions over the life of the tire.
"NXT Z silane provides the capabilities the tire industry needs to meet a wide range of product performance objectives in ways that help control production costs and meet environmental objectives," said Mike Stout, global marketing manager. "At GE, we're committed to ensuring that tire manufacturers aren't forced to choose between production efficiency, product performance, and environmental stewardship. With NXT Z silane, they can achieve all three objectives."
In addition to NXT Z Silane, the GE family of NXT silane coupling agents for use in silica tire manufacturing includes NXT, NXT LowV(a) and NXT Ultra-LowV(a) silanes that also eliminate non-productive mix steps, help improve through put during manufacturing and help improve tire properties like rolling resistance and wet traction.
The NXT silane family of breakthrough coupling agents has been certified for official status as part of the GE ecomagination(sm) program because of their ability to help tire companies streamline their manufacturing processes in ways that reduce, equipment, labor and energy costs, while moving in a positive environmental direction. Announced in May 2005, ecomagination is GE's strategic initiative to address society's challenges such as the need for cleaner, more efficient sources of energy, reduced emissions and abundant sources of clean water in ways that enable both GE and its customers to be successful businesses.
A technical paper describing the capabilities and properties of NXT Z silane will be presented at the International Tire Exhibition and Conference (ITEC) being held in Akron, Ohio, September 12-14, 2006.
For more information about NXT silanes, or to receive a sample, visit www.ge.com/silicones or call at 800.295.2392 (outside the US, call +607.786.8131). To find out more about GE's ecomagination initiative, visit www.ge.com/ecomagination.
About GE - Advanced Materials
The Advanced Materials business of General Electric Company is part of the Industrial business group and is headquartered in Wilton, Conn. Comprised of Silicones and Quartz, GE - Advanced Materials is a global leader in providing a range of high-technology materials solutions. The GE - Advanced Materials, Silicones' portfolio includes silicone-based products and technology platforms, silanes, sealants and adhesives. The Quartz portfolio includes high-purity fused quartz and ceramics materials. These materials solutions are used as springboards for innovation in hundreds of consumer and industrial applications ranging from car engines and integrated circuits to biomedical devices and cosmetics. Industries served include aerospace, agriculture, appliances, automotive, construction, electronics, furniture and furnishings, healthcare, home care, industrial, lighting, packaging, personal care, plastics, semiconductor, telecommunications, tire, transportation, and water purification. As a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Games, GE is the exclusive provider of a wide range of innovative products and services that are integral to a successful Games. Experience more at www.ge.com/advancedmaterials.
(a)NXT, NXT Z, NXT LowV and NXT Ultra-LowV are trademarks of General Electric Company.
ecomagination is a service mark of General Electric Company.
Photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
