Momentive Introduces e-free* 189 Silane to Help Significantly Reduce Ethanol Emissions, Improve Mineral Coupling in Rubber Products

Momentive Performance Materials today introduced e-free* 189
silane, a new coupling agent that has the potential to enhance the
manufacturing process for rubber goods by eliminating most ethanol
emissions and by reducing production costs. The new material offers
excellent overall performance, while typically improving processing
characteristics such as reduced viscosity and faster cure with
adequate scorch protection.

e-free 189 silane may replace traditional mercapto silanes because
it does not vulcanize prematurely, making it easier and potentially
less costly to use than traditional silanes. Rubber manufacturers may
consider enhancing the performance characteristics of the end product
by using equivalent levels of e-free 189 silane. Or, by using less
e-free 189 silane, they may lower overall compound cost and maintain
existing physical properties.

"As rubber goods manufacturers and their customers address their
mutual need to meet ever-more stringent environmental requirements and
demands for better product/value performance, we have responded with a
significant advance in the mineral coupling process," said Michael
Stout, global marketing manager, Momentive. "e-free 189 silane is a
breakthrough material that may take rubber manufacturing to a new
level of efficiency, cost effectiveness and environmental
friendliness."

e-free 189 silane may be an excellent candidate to consider for
use in the production of virtually any rubber product, including shoe
sole compounds, wire and cable products, belts, hoses, grommets, and
flooring. It may replace ordinary alkoxy silanes such as ethoxy and
methoxy. More effective coupling, higher modulus and tensile strength,
and maximum abrasion resistance may be achieved in the physical
properties of rubber products created with e-free 189 silane. In
testing a simplified shoe sole compound, e-free 189 silane delivered a
greater than 20 percent improvement in reinforcement as well as
excellent hardness and elongation.(1) e-free silane is available now
in the United States and will be rolled out globally in the next
several months.

To find out more about e-free 189 silane, please call 800.295.2392
in North America (+607.786.8131 everywhere else) or visit
www.momentive.com.

About Momentive Performance Materials

Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is a premier specialty
materials company, providing high-technology materials solutions to
the silicones, quartz and ceramics markets. The company, as a global
leader with worldwide operations, has a robust product portfolio, an
enduring tradition of service excellence, and industry-leading
research and development capabilities. Momentive Performance Materials
Inc. is owned by an affiliate of Apollo Management, L.P. Additional
information is available at www.momentive.com.

(1)Test results. Actual results may vary.

*e-free is a trademark of Momentive Performance Materials Inc.