Celanese to Announce Next Generation GUR UHMW-PE with Breakthrough Technology at K 2013

Celanese Corporation, a global technology and specialty materials company, today announced it will introduce a next generation GUR ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) with breakthrough technology at K 2013—nearly 60 years since the engineered material was first introduced at K 1955.

The announcement of the breakthrough technology, capable of delivering a step change in both material performance and processing efficiencies, is one of several Celanese is scheduled to make at booths A07 and B07 during K 2013 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

“We believe this new Celanese technology can deliver tremendous value to our customers across a broad range of applications,” said Christopher Davie, Celanese strategy and marketing director - GUR, Industrial, Medical and Composites. “For example, this breakthrough technology can help manufacturers of membranes and separators achieve superior material performance and processing advantages.”

Based on in-house testing vs. grades in the existing product line, the next generation of GUR UHMW-PE:

· Enhances performance for the separators used in lithium-ion batteries, which improves membrane puncture strength and provides greater design freedom;

· Demonstrates better gelation that is expected to provide fibre and membrane manufacturers clear processing advantages, such as increased throughput;

· Exhibits significantly higher abrasion resistance to extend life of machined parts while maintaining impact strength performance; and

· Improves fibre strength and tensile properties for critical applications, such as life protection equipment or high-strength ropes.

“Trial samples will be available during the second half of 2014,” Davie said. “Customers interested in working with us and acquiring trial samples should stop by the Celanese booth during K 2013.”

Celanese will select strategic development customers to receive samples of the next generation GUR UHMW-PE when they become available.

“Consistent with our vision of being the first-choice chemistry solution source for our customers, Celanese is proud to introduce this exciting new technology that we believe will redefine how people think about UHMW-PE while delivering real value to our customers,” said Phil McDivitt, vice president and general manager of the engineered materials business. “We look forward to working closely with our development customers in realizing the full potential of this exciting technology.”