Document dQR8V1J2x8NEBDmzLXRpoQR10

CORPORATION CONnDEKTlM. COMPANY SECr.ET PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT GF-1S57 Interoffice Correspondence To: Location: From: Location: Hr. C. Eekardt New York D. A. Davis South Bound Brook Date November 7, 1979 CC: P. S. Bettoll - SBB V. R. Canfield - SBB S. H. Kantor - Wayne Subitct: ERIE GASKETING PRODUCTS - HIGH DENSITY PRODUCTS As requested during our recent phone conversation, I have reviewed our non asbestos gasketing program for impact on the $1.6 MM High Density Calender AFE now under review. Basically, there are so many unknowns in the non-asbestos gasketing situa tion that projections must be viewed as very tentative. In general, X expect the gasketing industry will be using predominantly asbestos, rather than non-asbestos, gasketing for the next 5 years. If this is true, the impact of the non-asbestos program on the High Density Calender would seem minimal. Current information relating to non-asbestos gasketing is as follows: 1. Recent RSD visits to four major purchasers of our gasket products indi cate definite industry Interest in non-asbestos and a desire to evaluate test product. 2. RAD's first trial run of non-asbestos gasketing on the Erie paper machine was swde last month. This was a very successful run from the standpoint of runnability. The manufacturing cost of this product would be about double that of an equivalent asbestos gasketing. The furnish employed included 30% rockwool fiber imported from Europe. The physical properties are satisfactory for evaluation in gasketing applications. Densification to 69 lbs./ft.* (from 58 lbs./ft.3) in the high density lab calender resulted in a loss in tensile, but maintenance of acceptable compressibility/recovery characteristics. It is not yet known what degree of densification will be required for non-asbestos product, and RAD is currently conducting additional calendering investigations. Xn general, non-asbestos formulations seem more susceptible to damage during calendering. 3. A secrecy agreement has been executed with Fel-Pro, and samples from the last run have been sent to them. Their initial evaluation will, of course, be of extreme interest. However, normally additional runs and adjustment of properties is required before achieving full approval. Secrecy agreement negotiations are in progress with other customers, which should provide additional customer evaluation. M1CH08244 2 CONFIDENTIAL COMPANY SECRET 4. A patent disclosure has been submitted to docket and preparation of an application is in progress by Patent. DAD:gs D. A. Davis MICH08245