TITLE: Genitron LE. possibly necessary warning labels can be found in the safety data sheet no Specified Properties. Test Method.

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1 TITLE: Genitron LE GENITRON is a registered trademark of Lanxess Deutschland GmbH, Germany. It may not be used in Japan and North and South America. In these areas the product is available under the TM FICEL. TEXT: Genitron LE is a fully activated azodicarbonic acid diamide preparation which has been developed for use in low temperature PVC plastisol applications. The product can also be used to increase line speeds at conventional PVC plastisol processing temperatures. Genitron LE decomposes more efficiently than other blowing agents and does not require additional kickers. It can therefore be used as a replacement for azodicarbonic acid diamide/external kicker blends in existing PVC plastisol formulations. In low temperature applications Genitron LE produces whiter foams than azodicarbonic acid diamide with external kicker. Chemical composition CAS Reg. No. Physical form Health and safety information azodicarbonic acid diamide preparation (ADC) yellow powder Relevant safety data and references as well as possibly necessary warning labels can be found in the safety data sheet no Specified Properties Property Nominal Value Unit Test Method Average particle size (R 50% ) 3.8 ± 0.7 µm POR 41 ADC content 60.0 ± 3.0 % KA 107d Volatiles 1.0 max. % POR , Page 1 of 5

2 Storage During storage and handling, Genitron LE should be kept cool and the upper temperature limit (not the long-term temperature) of approx. 50 C should not be exceeded; i.e. Genitron LE should not be stored near radiators; other heat sources such as sunlight or lighted cigarettes should be avoided and there must be no sparks or naked flames in the vicinity. Genitron LE is best stored in its original container in a separate, cool room. Quantities of Genitron LE other than those required for immediate processing should not be stored within manufacturing areas. Any national requirements pertaining to the segregation of packaged dangerous goods must be observed. When stored in a cool and dry place in sealed original containers, Genitron LE has a shelf life of nine months. Solubility ADC is soluble in dimethyl formamide, poorly soluble in dimethyl sulphoxide, practically insoluble in all other solvents and plasticisers. Packaging 20 kg boxes These raw material properties are typical properties and, unless specifically indicated otherwise, are not to be considered as delivery specification. General properties Genitron LE is a fully activated azodicarbonic acid diamide preparation. Genitron LE decomposes much more efficiently than externally activated blowing agent systems and provides the options of: Low temperature expansion Genitron LE can be used to expand vinyl copolymers at oven temperatures as low as 160 C where little or no expansion would be obtained with azodicarbonic acid diamide and conventional kicker systems. This is particularly useful in floor covering applications where Genitron LE can create a backing foam at low temperatures without disrupting the surface finish of the floor covering. The foam density can then be varied by the oven temperature and dwell time. Increased efficiency, increasing the line speed Genitron LE can be used to increase line speeds at standard oven temperatures of 200 C as the formulations expand at a faster rate than with conventional azodicarbonic acid diamide/external kicker systems. Alternatively, the oven temperature can be reduced by 10 C without any loss in expansion at the same line speed. Reducing the loading of the blowing agent , Page 2 of 5

3 Genitron LE can also be used as a weight-forweight replacement for standard azodicarbonic acid diamide/kicker systems to give a faster and greater foam expansion. A reduced loading of Genitron LE, on the other hand, gives the same foam expansion but still at a faster rate than conventional systems. Improved whiteness Genitron LE produces vinyl foams which are substantially whiter than standard azodicarbonic acid diamide/kicker systems with equal loadings of titanium dioxide pigment. This reduction in the creamy coloration associated with conventional azodicarbonic acid diamide blowing agent systems extends the design opportunities for these materials. Alternatively, the titanium dioxide loading can be reduced by up to 50 % to give vinyl foams of similar whiteness. The use of Genitron LE can therefore result in significant titanium dioxide cost savings. Activated one-pack formulation Genitron LE is a fully integrated blowing agent/kicker system manufactured by a unique process so that the activator is intimately and firmly bonded to the blowing agent. This eliminates the need for additional kickers and maintains a constant ratio of blowing agent to activator so that consistent plastisol expansion rates can be achieved. The use of Genitron LE also simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing both the number of weighings and the number of products in the inventory. This reduces the potential for errors, eases process control and provides further cost savings. Applications Genitron LE can be used in a wide variety of polymers, but is used particularly for the expansion of PVC plastisols Genitron LE is used in a wide variety of applications; typical applications are: Floor covering backing foams The use of Genitron LE overcomes the limitations of mechanically aerated or frothed vinyls in the production of backing foams for floor coverings. This enables the plastisols to be applied at substantially higher coating speeds than are possible with vinyl froths. Heat transfer properties are also considerably better and this facilitates fusion of the coating. High speed wall coverings The high efficiency of Genitron LE enables it to perform effectively in special PVC plastisol formulations for high speed or highly blown wall coverings. Textured wall coverings Wall coverings with a textured surface finish can be created by using Genitron LE in conjunction with other blowing agents such as Genitron OB or Porofor ADC/L-C2. Alternatively, a small quantity of alcohol can be added to the plastisol to achieve a similar result. This effect is achieved by the release of gas or vapour from Genitron LE during the solvation of the polymer, which causes cracks or fissures in the vinyl. The blowing agent with the slower expansion rate then decomposes and forms large cells at the fissures to produce the structured or textured surface. No additional kickers are required for the Porofor ADC/L-C2 in this situation because it is activated by the components of Genitron LE. The amounts needed vary between 0.05 % and 20 % of the total compound depending on the manufacturing process and article. An addition level of 4 phr, for example, will typically produce an expansion factor of in both homopolymers and copolymers , Page 3 of 5

4 Genitron LE is typically used at processing temperatures of C for low temperature expansions and at C for high speed expansions. Formulations Genitron LE has a low decomposition temperature and allows chemical foams to be produced at lower temperatures than is possible with conventional blowing agents. As with all chemical foams, it is necessary to ensure adequate fusion of the plastisol before the blowing agent gives off gas, consequently direct replacement of an existing chemical blowing agent system with Genitron LE may not give optimum results. The phenomenon of blow-out can occur when the gas is evolved before fusion of the plastisol and is therefore not contained within the plastisol layer. A rough irregular surface is visible and the foam does not reach its full expansion. Another fault that might be seen is the formation of blisters within the foam layer. These faults can be corrected by the following actions: Use a grade of PVC suitable for the expansion temperature. PVC copolymers should be used from 150 C to 170 C. Avoid using an extender grade of PVC. Avoid low plasticiser levels parts has been shown to give good results. Use a portion of fast fusing plasticiser such as Unimoll BB. Avoid very high levels of Genitron LE. At 160 C, expansion factors of 4 or 5 can be achieved with a 5 parts loading of Genitron LE. No additional kickers or heat stabilisers are necessary as Genitron LE confers adequate heat stability to the plastisol. The following formulation illustrates these points and will give an expansion factor of 4 when applied at 0.25 mm on a lightweight substrate and expanded for 3 minutes at 160 C. parts PVC copolymer 100 DOP plasticiser 35 Unimoll BB 35 CaCO 3 filler 20 TiO 2 pigment 2 Viscosity depressor 2 Genitron LE 5 Handling Genitron LE is not explosive according to the criteria of the German Regulations on Explosives; thus the storage classification is not applicable. Genitron LE decomposes at a relatively low temperature; so care should taken to ensure that the decomposition temperature of the product is not exceeded during compounding. The product and product dust can, like powders in general, cause dust explosions. Conveyors, filling and weighing equipment must be earthed to prevent Genitron LE becoming electrostatically charged. Genitron LE dust must not be allowed to settle in the workplace. When used in closed systems, all equipment should be provided with adequate, unrestricted venting to ensure that internal pressure cannot build up in the event of accidental decomposition. The gases formed when Genitron LE decomposes in the intended manner in plastic compounds should be removed from the workplace by ventilation. If handling Genitron LE, direct contact with other blowing agent types and reactive chemicals, especially acids, alkalis and heavy metal salts, must be prevented; in the event of , Page 4 of 5

5 contact with acids or alkalis, there is a risk of violent decomposition. Empty containers with residues of Genitron LE must never be used for other chemicals. Substance residues should be destroyed by controlled incineration in accordance with official regulations. Should Genitron LE begin to decompose due to unforeseen circumstances, perceptible due to the appearance of dense smoke, it must be cooled down immediately to halt the decomposition reaction. The cooling is best achieved by spraying or sprinkling with plenty of water. Inhalation of azodicarbonic acid diamide may cause sensitisation (asthmatic symptoms). The inhalation of Genitron LE dust should be avoided, i.e. by wearing a face mask. Further information can be found in the safety data sheet. Registered Trademarks of Lanxess Deutschland GmbH: Genitron Unimoll The above formulation is intended solely as a guide for our business partners and others interested in our products. As the conditions of use and application of the suggested formulation are beyond our control, it is imperative that it be tested to determine, to your satisfaction, whether it is suitable for your intended use(s) and application(s). This application-specific analysis at least must include testing to determine suitability from a technical, as well as health, safety and environmental standpoints. Further, although the ingredients, quantities thereof and properties of compounds or finished goods mentioned herein reflect our recommendation at the time of publication, this guide may not be subject to continuous review and/or updating, and you agree that use is undertaken at your sole risk. All information is given without warranty or guarantee, and it is expressly understood and agreed that you assume, and hereby expressly release us from, all liability, in tort, contract or otherwise, incurred in connection with the use of this guide. This information and our technical advice - whether verbal, in writing or by the way of trials - are given in good faith but without warranty, and this also applies where proprietary rights of third parties are involved. Our advice does not release you from the obligation to check its validity and to test our products as to their suitability for the intended processes and uses. The application, use and processing of our products manufactured by you on the basis of our technical advice are beyond our control and, therefore, entirely your own responsibility. Our products are sold in accordance with the current version of our General Conditions of Sale and Delivery. Lanxess, D Leverkusen Functional Chemicals High Performance Additives Plastic Additives , Page 5 of 5