Kraton Polymers Announces Exceptional Performance Results in Corrosion-resistant Coatings

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Jan 09, 2012, 09:00 ET

HOUSTON, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. (NYSE: "KRA"), a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers or "SBCs," tested performance properties of an industrial coatings starting point formulation made with Kraton™ FG1901 using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The testing was performed on bare, cold rolled steel panels with a coating thickness of 2 mils and included salt spray resistance, adhesion, and impact, which all showed outstanding performance results.

The FG1901 formulation passed 2000 hours of salt spray testing under ASTM B117-11. After 2000 hours, only 0.1% of the coating area was exhibiting corrosion. Testing continues today to determine final corrosion-resistance under the test method. Salt spray testing is used to accelerate and measure corrosion of coatings, and relates to how long a coating can resist corrosion in the field.

Adhesion was tested using the ASTM D3359 standard and the FG1901 formulation produced a 5B result, or 0% coating loss, which is the highest possible grade for the test. Gardner impact testing was also conducted under ASTM D2794, and the coating tested both direct and indirect impact at 160 in-lbs.

"These test results validate that Kraton FG1901 demonstrates superior water resistance, adhesion and flexibility, and highlights why we are excited about the opportunities for Kraton polymers in industrial coatings," said Jason Surman, Business Development Manager, Coatings. "We are exploring the use of our polymers in industrial maintenance coatings and feel that we can bring value in areas such as structured steel, bridge and decking, and storage tanks," he concluded.

Kraton polymers feature excellent flexibility and elasticity, which when combined with superior salt spray resistance and adhesion, results in more durable and longer-life coatings reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of metal surfaces by preventing corrosion from occurring.

For more information on starting point formulations and how to use FG1901 in coatings formulations, please contact Jason Surman at 770-552-2005, [email protected] or visit www.kraton.com.

About Kraton Polymers

Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc., through its operating subsidiary Kraton Polymers LLC and its subsidiaries, is a leading global producer of engineered polymers and styrenic block copolymers ("SBCs"), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by us almost fifty years ago. SBCs are highly-engineered thermoplastic elastomers, which enhance the performance of numerous products by delivering a variety of attributes, including greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability. Our polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants and lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving, roofing and footwear products. We currently offer approximately 800 products to more than 700 customers in over 60 countries worldwide, and are the only SBC producer with manufacturing and service capabilities on four continents. We manufacture products at five plants globally, including our flagship plant in Belpre, Ohio, as well as plants in Germany, France and Brazil, and a joint venture plant operated in Japan.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements," which are statements other than statements of historical fact and are often characterized by the use of words such as "believes," "expects," "estimates," "projects," "may," "will," "intends," "plans" or "anticipates," or by discussions of strategy, anticipated performance, plans or intentions. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made based on management's current expectations and estimates, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are more fully described in "Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors" contained in our Annual Report on 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and as subsequently updated in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We hereby make reference to all such filings for all purposes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update such information.

Kraton, the Kraton logo and design, Cariflex, Nexar and the "Giving Innovators their Edge" tagline are all trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.

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For Further Information:
Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc.
Media: Marcie Coronado +1-281-504-4975
Investors: H. Gene Shiels +1-281-504-4886

SOURCE Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc.