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Hexion Specialty Chemicals' Melamine Adhesive First to
Meet Highest Heat Resistant Adhesive (HRA) Standard, Certified
for Unrestricted Use by Finger-jointed Stud Manufacturers
COLUMBUS - (May 11, 2007) - Hexion Specialty Chemicals,
Inc. today announced that several key grading agencies
have certified that Hexion's Melamine Adhesive MR-84A/M-605LY
meets the highest American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) requirements
for heat resistance in finger-jointed stud applications
per test Method A.
Hexion's melamine product is the first adhesive under
the new fire-rating standards adopted by the ALSC to be
certified via test Method A for use with any lumber species,
grade or finger joint geometry.
"This is important news for all finger-jointed stud
manufacturers," said David Hemm, Vice President, Performance
Adhesives for Hexion. "There is now an option for
finger-jointed stud producers who want the security and
market acceptance of a glue system that has met the highest
Heat Resistant Adhesive (HRA) standard, confirmed by one
of the industry's leading grading agencies."
In 2006, the ALSC initiated a research program to better
understand the importance of adhesives used in end-jointed
lumber in fire-rated assemblies. As part of the research,
the wood products industry – including Hexion – conducted
fire-resistance tests on finger-jointed wall assemblies
using many different adhesives. Based on findings from
these tests, in February 2007 the ALSC issued qualification
criteria for finger-jointed lumber adhesives along with
appropriate requirements for proper labeling for identification
by building officials.
The new glued lumber policy provides for two testing methods.
Method A is designed to minimize the variables in test
wall assemblies to ensure that the adhesive is isolated
for qualification. Method B was offered as an alternative
for testing a finger-jointed stud system – that is, the
wood species, grade, joint geometry and adhesive system
in total. Adhesives that pass Method A are certified HRA
for unrestricted use. Adhesives that pass Method B are
only certified HRA with the specific lumber species and
finger joint geometry used in the test.
"Hexion strongly supports these new, rigorous, industry-wide
fire-resistance standards to reassure building code and
safety professionals about the integrity of finger-jointed
products," adds Hemm. "We're committed to providing
the engineered lumber industry with the highest heat-performing
adhesives."
Hemm said that Hexion is pursuing Method A testing and
certification for its phenol-resorcinol resin systems as
well as other select adhesive products.
About Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Hexion Specialty Chemicals serves
the global wood and industrial markets through a broad
range of thermoset technologies, specialty products and
technical support for customers in a diverse range of
applications and industries.
Hexion Specialty Chemicals is owned by an affiliate of
Apollo Management, L.P. Additional information is available
at www.hexion.com.
# # #
Contact:
Mike Freeman
Freeman Communications
+1 859 594 5004 - office
+1 513 910 7240 - mobile
mike@freemancommunications.biz
or
Peter Loscocco
Vice President, Public Affairs
Hexion Specialty Chemicals
+1 614 225 4127
peter.loscocco@hexion.com
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