Dow Performance Fluids Business Introduces DOW™ SYMBIO Base Fluid & DOW™ SYMBIO Bio-Hydraulic Fluid & DOW™ SYMBIO Bio-Hydraulic Fluid

The Dow Performance Fluids Business introduces the next generation in bio-hydraulic fluid, DOW™ SYMBIO. Based on advanced chemistry from The Dow Chemical Company and containing more than 50% high oleic canola oil, both DOW™ SYMBIO Base Fluid and DOW™ SYMBIO Bio-Hydraulic Fluid are biodegradable, general purpose products that provide excellent anti-wear performance compared to other synthetic fluids containing renewable oils. DOW™ SYMBIO brings to industry the “first of its kind” combination of Polyalkylene glycol and high oleic canola oil and is expected to be available on a direct sales basis or through authorized Dow distributors in June, 2009.

Designed for use in stationary industrial hydraulic systems, DOW™ SYMBIO Bio-Hydraulic Fluid provides better thermo oxidative stability than leading canola based fluids as well as synthetic ester/vegetable oil fluids, thus reducing maintenance requirements and the potential for unplanned downtime. DOW™ SYMBIO Bio-Hydraulic Fluid is ideally suited for applications where environmental contamination is a concern due to its general biodegradable properties. Potential applications for DOW™ SYMBIO include stationary marine equipment, dockside cranes for cargo ships, or even equipment on offshore oil platforms. DOW™ SYMBIO Bio-Hydraulic Fluid can also be used in the entertainment industry for large fountains and even amusement park rides. Smaller machines like fork lifts and industrial robotics that rely on hydraulics for lift can also benefit from DOW™ SYMBIO.

Biodegradable Properties of DOW™ SYMBIO Bio-Hydraulic Fluid

The renewable content and biodegradable properties of DOW™ SYMBIO™ Bio-Hydraulic Fluid can help users meet strict environmental regulations while ensuring that critical industrial equipment is protected against wear. Unlike other, more conventional mineral oil and vegetable oils, DOW™ SYMBIO Bio-Hydraulic Fluid are non-sludging and non-varnishing, even during high stress and high heat operations, contributing to less maintenance costs and unplanned downtime. DOW™ SYMBIO Bio-Hydraulic Fluid can also help reduce clean up costs in the event of a spill.

Dow also offers DOW™ SYMBIO Base Fluid for formulators that wish to pursue the development of their own compositions for other applications.