The TF-3B MicroPower OMNIBUS® II Flasher/Lampchanger from Tideland Signal Corp., Houston, features a turret made of 30% glass-filled KetaSpire® KT-880 polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin from Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC for high-heat resistance and exceptional dimensional stability. The solid-state flasher and six-place lampchanger is an integral component in Tideland Signal’s marine signal lanterns which are used for navigational purposes at ports and harbors throughout the world.

KetaSpire PEEK resin replaces competing thermoplastics in the six-sided injection molded structure which also features gold-plated contacts. The 65-mm diameter PEEK turret accepts 100-watt halogen lamps and must withstand temperatures up to 600°F (316°C), according to P.C. To, Tideland Signal’s vice-president of manufacturing. KetaSpire PEEK’s low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) helps to ensure dimensional stability and filling of complex thin-wall structures.

“There are other high-heat materials on the market but very few also provide the flexible processing needed for molding of highly-detailed structures,” said Tideland Signal’s P.C. To. “KetaSpire PEEK delivered the unique combination that we required.”

KetaSpire PEEK provides a range of high-performance properties including high- heat resistance, broad chemical resistance, ease of processing, and excellent ductility. Specifically, the material boasts a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 315°C (599°F), continuous-use temperature up to 240°C (464°F), high impact strength, excellent fatigue resistance, and outstanding chemical resistance to organics (particularly solvents), acids, and bases. It also has excellent mechanical properties, particularly in high-pressure environments.

About Solvay Advanced Polymers
Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC produces more plastics with more performance than any other company in the world. This gives design engineers worldwide more ways to solve top design challenges in automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace and other demanding industries. Learn more at www.solvayadvancedpolymers.com.

SOLVAY is an international industrial Group active in Chemistry. It offers a broad range of products and solutions that contribute to improving quality of life. The Group is headquartered in Brussels and employs about 19,000 people in 50 countries. In 2009, its consolidated sales amounted to EUR 8.5 billion. Solvay is listed on the NYSE Euronext stock exchange in Brussels (NYSE Euronext: SOLB.BE - Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLBt.BR). Details are available at www.solvay.com.

About Tideland Signal Corp.
Tideland Signal Corp., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is the world’s leading manufacturer of marine-aids‐to-navigation, with a reputation for developing equipment to high-performance specifications and with the reliability needed to withstand harsh marine environmental conditions. Prominent in port and harbor operations around the world, Tideland has served Coast Guard and lighthouse authorities since 1954 as well as providing specialized aids‐to‐navigation equipment to the offshore oil and gas industry.

Tideland provides a complete inventory of rotationally molded polyethylene buoys, self-contained LED lanterns, conventional LED lanterns, range lights, fog signals, fog detectors, solar-powered systems, rotating beacons, Racons, and customized remote monitoring systems.

Press Contact:
Joseph Grande
413.684.2463
solvayap.press@solvay.com