Document nkrw2r6K2VvqpNgaJKrEqJG6w

Mr. Kuczkowski Poge Two April 23, 1976 devices. In other words, the original incorporation of asbestos in these compounds wos dictated by the need to satisfy application requirements which could not be readily met with other available filler materials. Consequently, the elimination of asbestos in these compounds will reduce or down grade some of the compound properties. In the process of eliminating asbestos, our mission would require that performance equivalence be obtained. Toward this goal there could arise situations where some compromise might be necessitated by Cutler Hammer in regard to these applications. Thus a cooperative evaluation program bet^een-ELbetlte -and -C ut4 er-HommeF- woul d-be-reqwi red-to-develop -narr=,asbe'st'os---------------formulation'equivalent to the asbestos compounds in question. As to what changes you might expect in specific properties of a substitute non-asbestos formulation, the definitions would be highly speculative at this point. For example, we have already developed or are developing formulations which are non-asbestos and whose properties exceed the properties of FM-6101 or FM-17610, but are more costly than these compounds. New compounds developed by Fiberite based on DuPont polyimide fiber PRD49 has performance characteristics quite similar to asbestos but at a cost 7 to 10 times more. Similarly, compounds such as FM-3070 in our opinion is on immediate direct replacement for the asbestos materials and we recommend that Cutler Hammer maintain this compound of immediate replacement for the asbestos compounds. Likewise, we have developed the compounds like E-260H which has superior performance characteristics but is higher priced. Thus Cutler Hammer's base with the compromising decision of maximum device performance versus reduced device performance ot a reduced cost. Glass fiber reinforced polyester materials are in this latter category (our S-660) a compromise of requirements mads to obtain either cost or key property advantage such as arc track resistance at the expense of wear resistance or some other characteristic. It is evident that Fiberite shares your concern regarding asbestos problems. We are continually screening the filler market and developing new compounds. We would be most happy to consider a cooperative program to develop alternate materials to the asbestos containing materials listed above. We hope this information is helpful. Very truly yours, FIBERITE CORPORATION 7 WALikag eci Ted Pilat William AvTrdurie Vice President Director of Research