Document evgO9xGDVKeVRqr4937omamE9

September 16, 1976 7T5-. ' TO: #151, T. E. Nevins FROM: #151, E. Maynard SUBJECT: WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS Joint Systems CC: #147-2, C. M. Howar #147-2, R. P. Entz #143-2, B. M. Hostrup CCPD cci>' /V 2 Xv. The improved READY-MIX TAPING COMPOUNDjperformed well on all field tests. This was confirmed in a recent letter from Mr. Ries. East Chicago has converted all production to the new formula,, which is expected to correct current market problems at no cost increase. (pi 11 * * ^ At the request of Purchasing, wewtre evaluating several grades of Tylose thickener in place of Dow's Methocel. Tests look good in { READY-MIX TOPPING with a high viscosity grade, and we plan Lb i* balluliti TyliiTi fmr Gypsum and East Chicago in this product for ^ t-`- ials. We ale a plan to evaluate Tyluse In'DAllas^1 READY-MIX ALL PURPOSE and TOPreWG. a--v-l 3) The cause of cracking on the East Chicago batch of the new formula of USG TOPPING - NV has not been determined. Further work is planned on this. 4) Further work is underway on evaluation of HI-BOND, and in general, what is needed to overcome problems and regain business in the Denver market. SCPD 1) Messrs. Cameron and Knudsen are field testing the modified READY-MIX ALL-PURPOSE and the powder USG ALL-PURPOSE and TOPPING this week in ' Texas. The filler in these formulas is composed of 80% Mikrofil carbonate and 20% terra alba. This is in line with their plan to convert to bulk carbonate instead of bulk terra alba. Lab, tests are underway here on this. - yf Field tests were observed last week of the lower shrinkage READY/ MIX TOPPING made at Dallas. Everyone who applied it found the work[/ ability excellent. Mr: Ccuimruu plane to ocnd this ta Ditnyef1 eltru. | . Dallas reported their READY-MIX TOPPING business has increased l 200% since the new, easy sanding formula was introduced there early this year. 3} SCPD Marketing (R. Young), reported.widespread problems with ex cessive shrinkage on metal corner bead with READY-MIX ALL-PURPOSE in Richmond, Atlanta, Jacksonville and Miami. He asked for Research assistance in investigating this problem. Mr. Attard will do this on a trip already scheduled for Chamblee as shown next in item #4. He will go to Richmond next Monday and be at Chamblee on Wednesday for the plant trial. United States Gypsum Company )( L\ WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS Joint Systems Page 2 4) Development was completed on an improved READY-MIX TOPPING having superior texturing properties compared with Chamblee * s current READY-MIX ALL-PURPOSE and TOPPING. Messrs. Howard and Young are requesting this to meet demands for a better texturing product primarily from the Atlanta Sales District. Mr. Attard will be at Chamblee next week for the plant trial and job tests. ECPD 1) The investigation of the complaint in Washington, D.C. on excessive shrinkage on screw heads in a large hospital under construction continues. The cost was estimated in the vicinity of $10,000. Mr. Houman brought plant retain samples of READY-MIX back to Research and is continuing lab tests here in an effort to pin point the cause of the problem. Tests are underway on this. 2) Following the shrinkage complaint investigation in Washington, . Mr. Houman went to New Brighton to resolve the conflict between our lab. tests and the plant tests on the new non-asbestos DURABOND. He showed that a lab made sample did not lump excessively when . mixed, but the plant made batch did. His further investigation . showed that a slightly different grade of thickener had been used in the plant batch. Another batch of DURABOND was made with the proper grade and field tested successfully in Pennsylvania. New Brighton will convert to this formula. 3) Start-up at Port Reading is anticipated before October 1. WCPD 1) A new problem came to South Gate this week. Plaster City is unable to supply terra alba filler to them due to water damage on their equipment. We are evaluating both Southard terra alba and MW325 carbonate (from Victorville, California) to prevent a shut-down at South Gate. 2) South Gate is keeping the remaining terra alba supply for the new READY-MIX ALL-PURPOSE that was recently field tested successfully, and released to So. California and Arizona. '/EEKLY HIGHLIGHTS . Joint Systems Page 3 CGC ~ 1) CGC Purchasing reported that Carey-Canadian will supply all of the plant's requirements for asbestos next year, following Research approval of 7RF66 and 7RF9 grades in joint compound formulas there. Samples are enroute to Research. . 2) - Mr." Mac Lennan indicated the start-up date for Calgary to be October 4. However, there is no report on a permit from the Al berta province. 3) Montreal has encountered further problems with skins or seeds with Stein-Hall latex, and they again requested Research assistance. Mr. Larson is investigating this and will go there to provide assistance if necessary. ZM/net