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Water—more than 70% of the earth is covered with it, and 65% of what we use is wasted. Specialty Materials’ newest unit, GE Betz, has the conservation of this fundamental material at its core. Using new chemistries, and drawing upon GE technologies ranging from ultrasound to remote digital sensors to advanced polymer materials, GE Specialty Materials is working to improve water quality and its efficient use while preventing corrosion and helping customers meet environmental goals.
Specialty Materials is living up to its name with a variety of other innovations as well. GE Silicones is focused on expanding the reach of Velvesil™, a copolymer that helps lotion make skin feel softer and makes hair easier to comb. Pharmaceutical and medical researchers are using “labs on a chip” made of GE silicone to do rapid DNA and drug testing. GE Quartz is supporting the semiconductor industry in its quest for smaller, faster chips by supplying larger-diameter, higher-purity quartz materials. The opportunity to discover new materials, new uses and new benefits continues to motivate Specialty Materials’ 9,000-plus employees.
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William A. Woodburn
President and CEO
GE Specialty Materials
2002 REVENUES: $2.4 billion
BREAKTHROUGHS
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1939
Glareless Glass: GE researcher Katherine B. Blodgett develops the prototype for the coatings used on virtually all camera lenses and optical devices.
1940
Silicones: Dr. Eugene G. Rochow discovers the direct process for making methylchlorosilanes, a key building block of all silicone products; GE begins commercial production in 1944. In 1969, astronauts step onto the moon in boots made of GE Silicones materials. 2002 Silicones revenues: $1.2 billion
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GE Specialty Materials Web site |
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