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New COHRlastic(R) Flame-Retardant V-0 Silicone Sponge Offers Breakthrough Performance

UL 94, The Standard for Flammability of Plastic Materials for parts in Devices and Appliances, establishes acceptable flame retardance levels for polymeric materials. Six of the 12 flame classifications in UL 94, including V-0 (the most stringent), relate to materials commonly used in manufacturing insulators such as gaskets and seals.

Steven Jette, Business Development Manager for the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Composites Division, notes that some LSR foam products do comply with UL 94 V-0, but points out that "the modified, or less consistent cell structure, a feature inherent to LSR technology, can have a negative affect on the gasketing reliability of these products at thinner profiles. The R10400 M meets UL 94 V-0 down to 1.58 millimeters in thickness, giving manufacturers of equipment for critical applications-such as rugged outdoor communication devices-confidence that seals won't fail in extreme conditions."

Made from a proprietary blend of HCR silicone, COHRlastic(R) R10400 M was developed for high-performance, flame-retardant cushioning, gasketing and sealing products designed for applications in the transportation, electronics and medical device industries. This product delivers superior mechanical performance in virtually every key area, including tensile strength (100 psi, more than two times the standard in LSR foams), elongation (250%, more than three times better), tear strength (20 ppi, two times better), and temperature range (100 degrees Fahrenheit/500 degrees Fahrenheit, a significantly broader range than LSR foam products). This ruggedized product also provides some protection against rough environments or usage.

"COHRlastic(R) R10400 M offers a consistency and dependability unmatched by liquid silicone technology," continues Jette. "The fact that it also meets UL 94 V-0 requirements, even at a thin profile, means R10400 M has set a new standard for the industry."

SGPPL is part of Saint-Gobain, a leading producer of construction products, flat glass, high-performance materials and packaging, andEurope's largest distributor of building materials. Headquartered inParis, Saint-Gobain had worldwide sales of more than $59 billion in 2007 and has more than 207,000 employees in 56 countries.

    Contact: Steven R. Jette
             Office: 508-852-3072
             Mobile: 508-736-1489
             steven.r.jette@saint-gobain.com
             http://fff.saint-gobain.com/

SOURCE Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation