AKRON, Ohio, June 29, 2004 -- Advanced Elastomer Systems, an Akron, Ohio-based affiliate of ExxonMobil Chemical, and Trexel, Inc., Woburn, Mass., announced recently a long-term exclusive license agreement to develop dynamic sponge / foam automotive weatherseal systems. Under the agreement, AES will focus on the development of Santoprene(TM) thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) products designed to take full advantage of Trexel’s MuCell® microcellular foam process.

The agreement is intended to propel the use, and help meet the industry demand, for innovative dynamic weatherseals that perform comparably to traditional EPDM seals in the areas of compression load deflection, compression set, water absorption, surface aesthetics, and economics. TPVs also are used for static and semi-dynamic weatherseals due to the material’s processing advantages, excellent sealability, design flexibility, UV-resistance and weatherability, and recyclability. AES invented, patented and introduced the first foamed TPV commercialized for automotive weatherseal applications more than a decade ago.

Automotive weatherseals are a growth segment for both the Santoprene automotive product lline and Trexel. AES anticipates increasing opportunity in this market during the next several years, mainly due to broader recognition and adoption of Santoprene TPV as a material of choice for these systems; and the company’s continued focus on driving product/system innovation to meet customer needs and create new opportunities, coupled with increased demand by OEMs worldwide for TPV-based sealing systems. Trexel's innovative extrusion technology is targeted primarily at TPV and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) applications, with an emphasis on the growing dynamic weatherseal market within the automotive industry.

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