A. Schulman Introduces Fuel Tank Solution Enabling Off-road Vehicles To Meet Tougher Environmental Standards

AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Rotational molding solution was developed by ICO Polymers, an A. Schulman division, and features Akulon ^® Fuel Lock material developed by DSM
• Advantages include high strength and high melt temperature combined with improved processing efficiency

A. Schulman, Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: SHLM) announced today that its ICO Polymers division has developed a new product for fuel tanks designed to comply with the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emission standards for off-road vehicles.

Features of the ICORENE® 7620 FUEL LOCK monolayer PA6 (polyamide 6) polymer include high strength, high melt temperature and durability that does not diminish over time. As a rotational-molding product, ICORENE® 7620 FUEL LOCK also eliminates the need for more complex multi-layer processes and after-treatment procedures such as fluorination. Designed for use in EPA-compliant tanks, the product also can be used in many other applications that require low fuel permeation, low temperature impact and ultraviolet light stability.

The monolayer PA6 solution is an enhancement of the Akulon ^® Fuel Lock polymer technology developed by DSM. Akulon ^® Fuel Lock originally was designed for small-engine fuel tanks in lawn and garden equipment, as well as recreational, professional landscaping and marine applications.

"This is just the latest example of our effort to partner with both suppliers and customers to develop innovative solutions that meet vital needs in the marketplace," said Heinrich Lingnau, business unit manager of ICO Polymers for the Europe, Middle East, Africa region at A. Schulman. "ICORENE® 7620 FUEL LOCK was made possible by combining ICO Polymers' strengths in rotomolding, particle size reduction and processing with DSM's leadership in material development. Working with DSM, we were able to introduce a product that helps our customers meet the dual challenges of reducing climate impact and energy usage."

"Development of this solution required intense cooperation between the research teams at DSM and ICO Polymers," said Tim Vorage, Application Development Manager at DSM. "We believe customers will appreciate having a cost-effective rotomolding solution in addition to injection and blow-molding solutions using our proven technology for fuel permeation reduction and high durability."

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