Document EqJkEMw9nKegv8e0e5zZze0Qn

JOINT SYSTEM INFORMATION BULLETIN August 1973 PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT GP-1644 1. Formula Developments a) Non-Asbestos Formulas Further field and market trials of the non-asbestos casein bedding and topping are planned for Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Wilmington. We hope the results will be favorable enough to warrant supplying non-asbestos products to some customers. b) Ready Mix Topping Sales has asked us to develop a ready mix topping, especially for the Chicago and Houston markets. Since a limestone ready mix topping was developed previously, a plant batch will be manufactured in Chicago for field tests in their market. c) Evaluation of Gelvatol 6000 We want to complete this evaluation at Milford before cold weather starts. Last year we had many bonding complaints and the Gelvatol 6000 imparts better cold bond properties. 2. Equipment Continuous Viscosity Measurement A second instrument will be tried at Chicago in September. After this investigation is complete, the results will be sent to all plants. The objective is to eliminate the delay for the Brabender reading. Vacuum Mixing The ready mix topping will be mixed under vacuum to get another appraisal of this process. High Speed Mixing Nothing has been reported so we assume that Chicago and Milford are the only plants running the mixers faster than k0 RFM. SGP 0007155 Joint System Information Bulletin Page 2 3. Quality Problems a) Crystal or Grit in Ready Mix Our ageing tests were started three weeks ago but growing crystals is a slow process and the checks of plant made material indicate l-g--2months is required to get noticeable oversize particles. The McCrone Institute has identified the crystals as a hydrate of ammonium magnesium phosphate. There is considerable evidence that the crystal growth is influenced by insufficient bacterial protection. The Calgon is also suspect since the crystal is a phosphate. To allow time for our ageing tests to provide better evidence, we have recommended temporarily reverting to the phenyl mercuric acetate (Troysan) preservative. Akron will also try Petro AD in lieu of Calgon. - "" h. Raw Materials a) Limestone Milford is making shipments of ready mix made with a lower cost but darker limestone. Sales has approved making limited shipments to determine whether the change can be made. b) SRA We have recommended that Akron and Marietta re-run the SRA material at a rate of 5 bags per batch in casein topping compound. Chicago has been doing this to work off their SRA and it is our only alternative since the 1 gallon ready mix bombed out. 5. f Market Developments We have requested each plant to obtain competitive samples of major competitors in their area. Originally we were primarily interested in bag products but we have requested ready mix as well to see if competition is using mercurial preservatives. These competitive samples are very important to assess our position in the market and to be aware what competition is doing. SGP 0007156 Joint System Information Bulletin Page 3 b) A renewed effort is being generated to find a less expensive and more suitable package than the k gallon ready mix unit. A sample of USG's ready mix from the Milford area was found to have gypsum as the basic filler. Circulation: Mr. T. W. Richards - Tigard Mr. E. B. Hollingsworth - Wj'E/0 *Mr. J. D. Rauch - Akror^^^***w *Mr. H. W. Scharf - Milford *Mr. R. V. Favero - Marietta *Mr. M. A. Palmowski - Chicago *Mr. K. W. Brown - Acme ^Recommend routing to all Quality Supervisors and Production Supervisors. CWL:ig 9/11/73 SGP 0007157