New Transparent Material Improves Durability and Impact Strength of Standard Polycarbonate Resin

GE Plastics, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), announced the development of clear LEXAN® EXL resin, a new transparent polymer. This breakthrough product utilizes technology that dramatically increases the toughness of polycarbonate resin while maintaining its clarity. The product is viewed as a "new and improved" LEXAN resin, the flagship product of GE Plastics. 2003 marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of LEXAN resin by GE scientist Dr. Daniel W. Fox.

LEXAN EXL resin builds on the outstanding mechanical properties of standard polycarbonate by adding silicone into its molecular structure. Major benefits of this copolymerization include increased impact resistance, improved processability and release properties, and better UV weatherability. LEXAN EXL resin's added low-temperature impact strength and cold-temperature ductility to -40 degree C allow it to withstand prolonged outdoor exposure.

"This is an exciting breakthrough in materials technology," said GE Plastics President and CEO John Krenicki. "It is particularly exciting for us to make this announcement as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the discovery of LEXAN resin. Clear LEXAN EXL is a terrific new material that adds to our proud legacy of innovation here at GE Plastics."

"We expect this new resin to find a fit in many places where polycarbonate and other transparent materials are used today," added John Dineen, Vice President and General Manager, Global Lexan Business. "We also expect that this clear material can open up new application possibilities for us. Clear LEXAN EXL will serve as a product development platform, and we plan to introduce material upgrades to our general purpose, flame retardant and UV stabilized products."

LEXAN EXL resin is also available as an opaque material, offering improved impact performance, processability and release properties, as well as cold temperature ductility compared to standard polycarbonate.

GE Plastics expects clear LEXAN EXL to benefit OEMs in several industries including eyewear, water bottles, medical applications, building and construction applications and lighting. "As consumers, we have all seen the importance of toughness in plastic parts," said Dineen. "The impact performance of clear LEXAN EXL can help manufacturers improve on the designs of their products that need to withstand the rigors of everyday life. We also anticipate this to be an attractive alternative to other clear materials beyond polycarbonate." Selective product sampling for clear Lexan EXL is underway, and full commercialization is expected later in 2003.

GE Plastics is a leading producer of engineering thermoplastics, with major production facilities worldwide. GE Plastics materials, including LEXAN® polycarbonate, are used in a wide variety of applications such as CDs, automobile parts, computer housings, cookware, outdoor signage, cell phones, bullet resistant shielding and building materials.

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LEXAN is a registered trademark of General Electric Company.