FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ZEONORFILM^® OPTICAL FILM OFFERS IMPROVED TOUCHSCREEN APPLICATION PERFORMANCE

Perfect for mobile phones, personal computers, portable game systems and more

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (September 23, 2008) - With high transparency, reduced thickness and lower overall cost, ZeonorFilm^® is ideal for touchscreen applications in mobile phone, portable gaming systems, personal computers and industrial, medical and retail settings.

Modern touchscreens depend on circular polarizers to provide a uniform image under multiple viewing angles and under all viewing conditions. These circular polarizers depend on 45° retardation plates, which before ZeonorFilm have been made by a cumbersome, multi-step process that adds thickness and extra cost to the touch panel. Unlike 45° retardation film made from conventional films, such as TAC, ZeonorFilm retardation film is produced by in-line stretching, resulting in fewer layers, less intensive labor steps, reduced waste from manual paste-up and a reduction in overall costs. The excellent moisture resistance of the film protects the polarizer, LCD and electronics of the touchscreen. In contrast, conventional films (TAC and PET) absorb moisture and have higher water-vapor transmission rates.

Additionally, ZeonorFilm, together with proper coatings, is suitable for replacement of glass as the top panel in advanced touchscreens. Since it is a plastic film, ZeonorFilm provides for reduced weight compared to glass. It is also stronger and less susceptible to breaking than glass. For advanced touchscreen features, unique geometries can be embossed or printed on ZeonorFilm surfaces—something that is very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with glass.

With no light absorption at short wave-lengths, ZeonorFilm is colorless and transparent, which enables it to deliver enhanced brightness and readability over the entire visible spectrum. The low water-absorption properties of ZeonorFilm mean it retains its dimensional stability in hot, humid environments where conventional TAC and PET films shrink. By inhibiting shrinkage, it prevents visual imperfections such as the appearance of white or black specks on the touchscreen display.

ZeonorFilm is available in three basic configurations: isotropic films, single-direction or bi-axial stretched retardation films (ZM-series, ZB-series) and diagonally stretched retardation films (ZD-series). ZeonorFilm is a cyclo-olefin polymer film produced using ZEON’s ZEONOR® resin.

ZeonorFilm optical films are produced by OPTES, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ZEON, and are available in the Americas from Zeon Chemicals, L.P. and in Asia from OPTES.

For more information, please contact ZEON at Zeonex@zeonchemicals.com.

About Zeon Chemicals L.P.
Zeon Chemicals L.P. is a wholly owned subsidiary of ZEON Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in specialty elastomers, polymers and specialty chemicals. ZEON Corporation is one of the top producers of polymers in the world with plants in Asia, North America and Europe, and Research and Development laboratories in Kawasaki (Japan), Louisville (KY, USA) and Barry (UK).

ZEON Corporation, with combined sales of over US 2.8 billion, utilizes its expertise and basic position in C4 and C5 chemistry to offer a wide range of products. The company employs approximately 3,200 people worldwide.

Trademarks
ZEONOR® is a registered trademark of ZEON Corporation, Japan. ZeonorFilm™ is a trademark of ZEON Corporation, Japan.

Disclaimer
Please refer to ZEON's ZEONEX^® product brochure for product liability notes prior to commencing use of ZEONEX in medical applications.