DAIKIN and Dow Corning Introduce Unidyne(TM) TG-5521 for Fabric Repellency and Softness

DAIKIN and Dow Corning Introduce Unidyne(TM) TG-5521 for Fabric Repellency and Softness

July 03, 2007

    OSAKA, Japan and MIDLAND, Mich., July 3
/XInhua-PRNewswire / --

    DAIKIN and Dow Corning Corporation have jointly
developed a new product for fabric protection. The new
Unidyne(TM) TG-5521 fabric treatment delivers the
advantages of two complementary chemistries - the superior
oil and water repellency of fluorine and the softness of
silicone. Additionally, this combination of performance
benefits is available in the new C6 fluorine platform,
which enhances the product's environmental performance. 

    DAIKIN and Dow Corning created an alliance in 2005 to
develop new products that take advantage of the strong
benefits of fluorine and silicone. Transitioning protective
chemistry to improve environmental performance presented a
natural focus. The alliance targeted a product with equal
or better oil and water repellency when compared to
traditional protective chemistry, an improved environmental
footprint, and a luxurious feel. Customers conducting trials
with the new product report that it succeeds in all
respects.

    Mike Ladd, DAIKIN AMERICA's Unidyne brand business
manager, commented, "People have had some success by
mixing chemicals, but putting everything in one molecule
gives better all-around performance where a soft hand is
desired and allows the mill to concentrate on product
quality and productivity. Customer reaction from trial runs
has been very good."

    Tison Keel, vice president of Sales and Marketing for
DAIKIN AMERICA, said, "DAIKIN and Dow Corning share
the priority of creating sustainability and performance.
This product offers a new way to solve an issue facing our
customers every day. The specifications were simple - `Give
us an environmentally improved product with traditional
performance.' With the collaboration of great chemistries
and great chemists, we achieved that." 

    John Torgerson, business development manager for Dow
Corning's Fluorine Program, said, "Dow Corning has a
history of providing innovative solutions to help textile
brands compete in the global marketplace. Working jointly
with DAIKIN enables us to build on our strong silicon
chemistry base and extend the range of solutions we can
offer not only to textiles but also to the other industries
we serve. This is the first of many market-leading
developments we expect to come from these great scientists
working together." 

    The new Unidyne TG-5521 fabric treatment will be sold
exclusively by DAIKIN and will be available worldwide.
Production is scheduled to begin in early August 2007. 

    Additional information and product samples can be
obtained by contacting Mike Ladd by e-mail at
[e-mail] or telephone at [phone]. 

    More information about the technologies used to achieve
this result will be shared in a presentation at the 4th
European Silicon Days Conference, which will be held
September 9-11, 2007, in Bath, England. 

    About DAIKIN

    DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD., ( http://www.daikin.com ) is a
leader in the fluorochemicals industry, offering more than
2,000 products, including gases, fluoropolymers, and
elastomers, to customers worldwide. DAIKIN is committed to
developing new uses for fluorochemicals in the years ahead,
both in everyday products and advanced applications. With
operations in Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and
North America, DAIKIN is positioned to meet the needs of an
increasingly borderless business environment. 

    DAIKIN AMERICA, INC. ( http://www.daikin-america.com )
is a wholly owned subsidiary of DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
DAIKIN AMERICA manufactures and sells Unidyne plus other
fluorine-based products, including repellents, protectants,
stain releases, fluoropolymers, and elastomers, to customers
worldwide. 

    DAIKIN and Unidyne are trademarks of DAIKIN INDUSTRIES,
LTD. 

    About Dow Corning 

    Dow Corning ( http://www.dowcorning.com ) provides
performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs
of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in
silicon-based technology and innovation that offers more
than 7,000 products and services, Dow Corning is equally
owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning,
Incorporated.  More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales
are outside the United States.

    Dow Corning is a registered trademark of Dow Corning
Corporation.

    We help you invent the future is a trademark of Dow
Corning Corporation.


    For more information, please contact:

     Nancy Collins
     AGP & Associates
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]