Huntsman Launches New Water-based Dispersant Product Range for Printing Inks, Automotive, Wood, and Other High-end Ink and Coating Applications

JEFFSPERSE™ X3202 and X3204 DISPERSANTS FOR COATINGS AND INKS ARE SUITABLE FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS

THE WOODLANDS, TX, OCTOBER 24, 2006 – Huntsman’s Performance Products business segment has launched a new range of polymeric pigment dispersants products. JEFFSPERSE™ X3202 and X3204 dispersants are designed for use in aqueous pigment concentrates utilized in printing inks, and automotive, wood, furniture and industrial coatings.

“JEFFSPERSE X3202 and X3204 dispersants expand our range of specialty chemical coatings,” said Stu Monteith, Vice President, Performance Specialties. “This product range is a true universal organic pigment dispersant for water-based systems as the benefits offered to formulators include improved gloss, higher color strength and increased commercial productivity. In addition, these dispersants cover the whole gamut of color with a wide range of applications, such as flexographic and gravure printing inks, inkjet inks and coatings. JEFFSPERSE is also an excellent dispersant with carbon black pigments.”

JEFFSPERSE X3202 and X3204 dispersants improve color concentrates by allowing increased pigment loading, decreased mill time and lower viscosity. In addition, they improve finished ink performance in such areas as color development, optical properties (gloss), aging stability and color retention.

Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and commodity chemicals. Its operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging. Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging and, later, rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman today has 15,000 employees and 78 operations in 24 countries. The Company had 2005 revenues of $13 billion.
 
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