Document Qk5DMD3mkX0brdn7B8Dg9wOmk

KAISER CE ENT & GYPSUM CC^PORATION INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO J. P. Rowe COPIES TO H. C. Dupuis G. B. Kirk SUBJECT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIP As requested, I spent August 7th thru 9th in Southern California checking field problems with the new Non-Asbestos Premix Dual Purpose Joint Compound product. I worked with tapers on jobs being finished by Norwal Drywall, Max Hopkins Drywall and Rialto Drywall and observed job performance of producT'manufactured on July 21, 22, 24 and 28, 1975. I observed various problems with all the codes used; the material made on July 28th was the only one that worked fairly close to the old Asbestos formula. Problems Observed and Probable Cause ' 1. Grit in product causing scratches - small black particles appear to be raw material, Min-U-Gel, which is larger than mesh speci fications and does not disolve. 2. Norwal Drywall refused to use the new product and while I was there, a truck was exchanging regular Asbestos Dual Purpose Joint Compound for Non-Asbestos product on their jobs (codes July 22). They complained that product will not accept water to run various taping operations, small additions of water cause it to breakdown and tape slips on sidewalks and falls off ceiling areas. They also said that it pumps hard, difficult to wipe down and product is not consistent. Taper demonstrated problems using Code 7-22.-644G. Problem cause should be determined by our Research Department. Conclusions and Recommendations 1, Manufacture old Asbestos Premix formula for customer sales until new Non-Asbestos formula has been reviewed and revised as necessary to perform to our customers' needs. 2. Investigate mesh specifications problem of raw material, Min-U-Gel; if the stability of this product is questionable, perhaps ATTAGEL or another raw material could be used as a substitute. If more information is needed, I have detailed notes covering this trip. I. JL:bg FORM 190 KG-0094