Ashland’s New MAXGUARD® NCP series gelcoat introduced at IBEX

A new gelcoat formulation that delivers a higher level of weathering performance was introduced at the International Boatbuilders Exposition (IBEX) in Miami Beach, Fla., today by Ashland Performance Materials, a division of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH). Comparison tests show that Ashland’s MAXGUARD® NCP series gelcoats retain their gloss longer than typical marine gelcoats.

In addition to weathering capabilities, MAXGUARD NCP series gelcoats also deliver extended resistance against blistering when evaluated among other low hazardous air pollutant (HAP) gelcoats. “Our patent-pending gelcoat technology provides professional boatbuilders with rich, weather- and blush-resistant colors that not only look great on finished parts, but also are easy for boatbuilders to use,” said Mike Wallenhorst, global marine market manager for Ashland Performance Materials.

MAXGUARD NCP series gelcoats are compliant with Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) limits under U.S. EPA regulations for boat manufacturing, and they exhibit the same excellent crack-resistant properties that MAXGUARD gelcoats have provided boatbuilders for many years. “With our new formulation, professional boatbuilders will experience true nautical color performance (NCP) when using deep, rich colors. This is something our customers have wanted for many years, and Ashland is very happy to provide this much-needed technology,” added Wallenhorst.