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Innovative Rhodia technologies reduce emissions and vehicle weight, improve fuel economy for new generation of autos
DETROIT – April 15, 2008 - Rhodia technologies for sustainable mobility contribute to lower automotive emissions, lighter vehicle weight and improved fuel economy—priority challenges for the newest generation of vehicles from Detroit and around the world.

A globally-recognized leader in developing specialty materials for automotive applications, Rhodia this week demonstrated its innovations that allow lighter-weight engine components, cleaner engine performance and improved fuel economy.

Rhodia’s new engineering plastics reduce vehicle weight by substituting for metal components under the hood, even under high temperatures. The company’s expertise and newly-expanded offering in rare earth catalyst technology can measurably reduce automotive emissions, while its newest grades of silica dramatically improve tires’ rolling resistance, thus improving fuel economy.

The global specialty chemicals company demonstrated its latest automotive innovations at this week’s World Congress of the Society of Automotive Engineers in Detroit.

A significant portion of Rhodia’s global sales are derived from engineering plastics, rare earths and silica production. Across all three technologies, Rhodia’s research and development programs have produced a steady stream of innovations that directly address increasingly stringent standards for automotive emissions, economy and performance.

Beyond its investment in innovations, Rhodia in 2007 invested in its catalysis program by acquiring its alumina washcoat business from W.R. Grace. This North America-based, bolt-on acquisition brought a complimentary technology to Rhodia’s existing rare earth catalysts, as well as a more synergistic global reach for a broader line of catalysis applications.

“Automotive applications are a clear priority focus for some of Rhodia’s strongest technology expertise,” according to Jean-Claude Steinmetz, vice president for Rhodia’s automotive group. We are world leaders in polyamide 6,6 for engineering plastics. Likewise, we are leaders in rare earth catalysts for emissions controls and we invented some of the most important silica grades for improved tire performance.

“These are growth areas for Rhodia and we are determined to continue or technological leadership that directly benefits sustainable mobility around the world.

Rhodia is an international chemical company resolutely committed to sustainable development. As a leader in its businesses, the Group aims to improve its customers’ performance through the pursuit of operational excellence and its ability to innovate. Structured around six Enterprises, Rhodia is the partner of major players in the automotive, tire, refining, electronics, perfume, health & beauty and home care markets. The Group employs around 15,500 people worldwide and generated sales of €5.1 billion in 2007. Rhodia is listed on Euronext Paris.

Contact:
David Klucsik
Rhodia North America
609-860-3616
david.klucsik@us.rhodia.com

Automotive Communications:
Jérôme PISANI
+33 (0)4 37 91 81 13
 

Rhodia Silcea launches Zeosil® Premium, a new generation of high surface-area silica offering lower resistance and greater performance

Lyon, France, 20 February 2007 – At the Tire Technology Expo trade fair in Cologne, Germany, Rhodia launched its Zeosil® Premium range – a new generation of high surface-area silicas for energy-saving tires – and confirmed its technological market leadership.

As the result of Rhodia’s expertise in the synthesis of precipitated silica and eight years of research and development, this technology enables further advances to be made in environmental gains, tire performance and manufacturing productivity.

The originality of the Zeosil® Premium technology is based on the association of a specific high surface-area and a new morphology, a unique combination of the silica aggregate and the element particles of which it is composed. This technology makes Zeosil® Premium a breakthrough product that is unique in the market.

The original structure of this silica enables very good dispersibility for such a high surface improving the mixing of silica into rubber and enhancing productivity for the manufacturer. In addition, it provides exceptional tread reinforcement for increased tire durability.

Furthermore, the new morphology associated with the high surface-area provides greater interaction with the polymer, giving a good balance of reinforcing properties and unrivalled viscoelasticity. The excellent overall level of properties in the silica-filled rubber mixture is a decisive factor in achieving improved road-holding and reduced tire rolling resistance.

Until now, Rhodia’s high performance silica has made it possible – without any reduction in tire wear performance – to improve road grip in wet conditions by 5-10% and reduce rolling resistance by 25%. This lowering of rolling resistance corresponds to a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of approximately 5%. "Zeosil® Premium pushes back these limits even further and provides an additional reduction of almost 10% in rolling resistance, whilst improving road-holding and tire wear resistance", comments Philippe Cochet, Silica Business Development Manager of Rhodia Silcea.

At the launch of the Zeosil® Premium family, Rhodia offers a ‘200 MP’ grade, a micropearl silica with a specific surface of 200m2/g. Rhodia Silcea is working on other specific surfaces, which will further extend the performance of this new range.

Reduced environmental impact, improved road-holding, increased productivity level – with Zeosil® Premium, Rhodia Silcea, the inventor of high performance silica, again demonstrates its spirit of innovation by providing the tire industry with new a new tool for sustainable mobility.