| License agreement reached. |
RTP Co. (Winona, MN; 507/454-6900) has finalized an exclusive
North American licensing agreement with Panipol Ltd. (Parvoo, Finland; +358
19 5244793) to manufacture melt-processible thermoplastic compounds containing
inherently conducting polymers (ICPs). RTP will also manufacture and sell ICP
compounds in Europe and Asia. According to the company, it is the first to offer
these materials commercially. ICP compounds provide a solution to ESD problems,
with reproducible surface resistivity in the range of 10<sup>6</sup> to 10<sup>9</sup>
W/sq. The compounds are polymeric and contain no carbon particles; their physical
characteristics resemble those of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene
neat resins. The compounds also are nonsloughing, and they offer good electrical,
mechanical, and flow properties. Six standard colors are available. The material
can be formulated for injection or blow molding, blown film, or sheet extrusion.</font></P>