NAVI MUMBAI, India -- Growing composite adoption and use in non-traditional outlets is a goal of Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. In an effort to grow this market, Ashland displayed its leading technologies for the composites industry at International Conference and Exhibition on Reinforced Plastics (ICERP) in Mumbai, India.

"The challnge for our future lies in our ability to promote to and educate our stakeholders on the advantages of materials substitution to increase composite usage," said Stefan Osterwind, commercial director of Europe, Middle East, Africa and India for Ashland Performance Materials. Osterwind, who addressed the attendees at the exposition, added, "The benefits of composites over traditional materials, such as steel, aluminum, concrete or timber, are clear to us. Composites are lightweight, corrosion resistant and fire retardant, and can deliver improved life-cycle costs while enhancing safety."

During the show, Ashland showcased Derakane and Hetron epoxy vinyl ester resin technologies, Pliogrip structural adhesives, the unique Instint gelcoat color service, Maxguard and Enguard gelcoats, and more. A team of local Ashland experts discussed the performance and process benefits these technologies deliver to a wide variety of composite manufacturers serving the wind power and energy generation, transportation, building and construction, and marine industries.

"Ashland is committed to bringing state-of-the-art technologies and new, sustainable products to our customers in India, and around the world," said Vivek Singh, general manager, Ashland Performance Materials in India. "Today, were helping our customers create stronger, lighter, more resistant substitutes for traditional materials through higher-performing, cost-efficient resins, adhesives and gelcoats that improve the manufacturing, fabrication and design process."

Ashland introduced Maxguard NP gelcoats with a presentation focused on the features of this patented low-emission technology. Maxguard NP gelcoats give fabricators a new option for reducing their styrene emissions, while improving key performance criteria of their end products, such as resistance to yellowing and gloss retention. "Composite manufacturers in North America and Europe have been aggressively driving towards lower emissions and sustainable solutions," added Osterwind. "Ashland is proud to partner with these manufacturers and help them realize their goals by providing product solutions that are ecologically considerate."