ExxonMobil Chemical Demonstrates Technology Leadership at International Rubber Conference 2009

At the forefront of innovation in the rubber industry since it invented and patented butyl rubber in 1937, ExxonMobil Chemical will demonstrate its continuous drive for product and process improvement to meet the evolving needs of the industry. With the objective of doubling the number of tire innerliner applications that can be served from existing halobutyl capacity, ExxonMobil Chemical recently conducted a successful pilot plant demonstration of next-generation butyl rubber that benefits from nanocomposite technology. The company also is working with its customers to develop a new material for tire innerliners, Exxcore™ DVA resin, which will result in lighter and more durable tires, that hold air longer and help reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

A technology leader in specialty elastomers, ExxonMobil Chemical is expanding the performance capabilities of its portfolio with innovative metallocene-based polymers to meet the latest requirements of the rubber and elastomer industry. These include new amorphous grades of Vistalon™ EPDM targeted at the extruded weatherseals market and Vistamaxx™ specialty elastomers providing green strength to rubber compounds.

Santoprene™ TPVs are meeting the increased demand for recyclable, light weight sealing solutions, and EPDM bondable Santoprene TPV is enabling hard-soft material combinations for cost-effective system solutions. The recently introduced Santoprene TPV 8211-85 M350 is providing a unique "comfort touch" and excellent surface qualities for automotive interiors while offering significant cost reduction opportunities. Additionally, ExxonMobil Chemical has developed jointly with Troester GmbH & Co. a new extrusion concept, combining hard and soft thermoplastic materials that enables the replacement of the metal reinforcement in EPDM profiles with a thermoplastic alternative. This provides opportunities to lower part weight, while reducing production complexity compared with conventional EPDM sealing solutions.

ExxonMobil Chemical will feature its wide range of Elevast™ polymer modifiers (PM) to the European rubber industry at IRC. Elevast PM are specialty hydrocarbon fluids that can help formulators create innovative solutions for polyolefin elastomer technical applications requiring improved mechanical properties across an extended range of service temperatures. Elevast PM improve polymer performance in applications ranging from wire and cable to automotive and industrial belts, weatherstrip, hoses and mechanical goods such as seals, gaskets and wiper blades.

ExxonMobil Chemical will present three technical papers at the conference. "Polymers for innerliner applications - new trends or new developments" describes the latest developments to lower the rolling resistance of passenger car tires, reduce weight and improve performance. "New metallocene EPDM's for expanded attribute range to meet new rubber market requirements" details recent advances in metallocene solution polymerization and compares expected physical properties with the properties provided by conventional Ziegler Natta polymerization. "Elevast™ polymer modifiers (PM) - highly efficient plasticizers for property enhancement of elastomers" looks at how Elevast PM can support EPDM rubber innovation.

All presentations will take place on Tuesday, June 30th at the following times:

3.30-3.45pm:

"New metallocene EPDM's for expanded attribute range to meet new rubber market requirements"

3.45-4.00pm:

"Elevast™ polymer modifiers (PM) - highly efficient plasticizers for property enhancement of elastomers"

4.00-4.30pm:

"Polymers for innerliner applications - new trends or new developments"

About ExxonMobil Chemical

ExxonMobil Chemical is one of the world's premier petrochemical companies with manufacturing, technology, and marketing operations around the world. The company delivers a broad portfolio of products and solutions efficiently and responsibly, with a commitment to create outstanding customer and shareholder value. ExxonMobil Chemical endorses the principles of sustainable development, including the need to balance economic growth, social development and environmental considerations. To learn more, visit www.exxonmobilchemical.com, www.butylrubber.com or www.elevast.com

Note to Editors:
1. The terms, "we," "our," "ExxonMobil Chemical," or "ExxonMobil" are used for convenience, and may include any one or more of ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Exxon Mobil Corporation, or any affiliates they directly or indirectly steward.
2. ExxonMobil, the ExxonMobil Logo, the Interlocking "X" Device, Exxcore, Vistalon, Vistamaxx. Elevast and Santoprene are trademarks of ExxonMobil.

Contacts
ExxonMobil Chemical
Media Contact:
Jeff Neu, +1-281-870-6607