PolarTherm* XLR boron nitride fillers - Two new products are available from GE in two grades: PTX25, a 25-micron mean-particle size grade, and PTX60, a mean particle size of 60 microns. Photo courtesy of GE Plastics

Seattle, WA, USA--(Jobwerx)--APRIL 21, 2005--A major challenge facing electronics manufacturers in moving to smaller and faster devices is effective heat dissipation from semiconductors. High temperatures in semiconductors can reduce the performance of computers and other electronic devices.

GE Advanced Materials has developed PolarTherm* XLR boron nitride fillers to help overcome these challenges. GE’s PolarTherm XLR materials are spherical agglomerates of boron nitride crystals which, when loaded into a polymer, can deliver up to two times the thermal conductivity of other boron nitride fillers.

GE’s PolarTherm XLR spherical boron nitride differs from standard boron nitride fillers in the robust, isotropic nature of the agglomerate. This results in a filler which is much less sensitive to processing, resulting in less particle breakdown and a more consistent thermal path for conducting heat from a source, such as a semiconductor, to a sink. This helps thermal interface material producers to significantly reduce the thermal resistance of their products and deliver advanced solutions for demanding electronics applications.

PolarTherm XLR spherical boron nitride still delivers the trusted performance of boron nitride in critical applications including direct die contact, due to low ionic impurities, high dielectric strength, and minimal stresses on sensitive components through a low coefficient of expansion and modulus. The lubricious nature of boron nitride is maintained, making it easy on blending and other processing equipment. The low density of GE’s PolarTherm XLR spherical boron nitride also provides advantages by delivering these results at a lower loading level than competitive fillers such as alumina or silver.

PolarTherm XLR spherical boron nitride is currently available from GE in two grades. PTX25 is a 25-micron mean-particle size grade, and PTX60 has a mean particle size of 60 microns. These materials are aimed at premium thermal interface applications.

“GE’s new PolarTherm XLR isotropic fillers address one of the most difficult challenges facing chip manufacturers – how to keep pace with the increasing heat generated by smaller and faster semiconductors,” said Greg Strosaker, industry manager, Electronic Materials, GE Advanced Materials. “Better heat dissipation plus high particle strength provided by GE’s PolarTherm materials offer the industry greater design flexibility and an important competitive advantage.”

About GE Advanced Materials

GE Advanced Materials (www.geadvancedmaterials.com) is a world leader in providing high -technology material solutions. Headquartered in Pittsfield, Mass., its businesses include Plastics, Silicones, Quartz, Automotive, Specialty Film & Sheet, Polymershapes, and Sealants and Adhesives.

GE (NYSE:GE) is a diversified technology, media, and financial services company dedicated to creating products that make life better. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging, television programming, and plastics, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's website at <www.ge.com>

* PolarTherm is a trademark of General Electric Company.

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