Trexel Unveils Commercialization of MuCell Microcellular Foam Process; Latest Technology Breakthroughs To Be Revealed at K '98

Business Wire, June 18, 1998

BURLINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 18, 1998--Trexel, Inc. announced today that the latest advances in its patented MuCell foam technology will be previewed at the K `98 Show from October 22-29 in Dusseldorf, Germany. Recent areas of technical emphasis have included polystyrene and polypropylene sheet, PVC profiles and HDPE. PC/ABS, nylons and TPEs have been injection molded using the MuCell process as well.

During the past twelve months, Trexel has worked closely with end-users, converters and OEMs to develop and license MuCell microcellular foam processes for extrusion, injection molding and blow molding applications. According to David Bernstein, President and CEO of Trexel, "We have demonstrated that the MuCell process has wide applicability across a number of diverse materials, resulting in foamed products with increased toughness and compressive and tensile strength. As a result, more than 20 companies are now developing commercial-scale applications using MuCell technology."

Trexel's exclusive M.I.T.-based technology, now marketed under the brand name MuCell, allows industry partners to produce microcellular foam products with cell sizes generally in the range of 5-50 microns. The MuCell process enables thin section foaming down to 0.12 mm (.005 in.). Cell formation occurs through the use of CO2 or N2 and eliminates the need for hydrocarbon-based blowing agents, or chemical blowing agents and nucleating agents. MuCell foams offer improved consistency and homogeneity of cell structures while exhibiting increased toughness and strength over equivalent density conventional foams. For extruders, new applications are now possible; for injection molders, significant controlled weight reductions have been achieved.

About Trexel

Trexel licenses MuCell microcellular foam process technology to end-users, converters and OEMs. The Company provides turnkey process development, experienced staff, know-how and a commercial-scale laboratory. Trexel processes are backed by extensive intellectual property, with patents pending and issued in Asia, Europe and North America. For further information, contact Dan Szczurko at 781-932-0202, ext. 241, or visit www.trexel.com.

See Trexel at the K `98 Show in Hall #8, Row C, Booth #12.

CONTACT: Trexel, Inc.

Dan Szczurko

(781) 932-0202

dan@trexel.com

or

HighGround, Inc.

Jane Teague

(781) 229-6615

jteague@highgroundinc.com