Merocel

Merocel Corporation was founded in 1974 to explore the potential of polyvinyl acetal polymer as a replacement for cellulose and cotton- based products. In 1984 operations were moved to Mystic, Connecticut and expanded its 10 acre site. During the 1992 to 1993 period, Research and Development filed patent applications for super pure polymers for the data storage media markets and for new cleaning roller brush designs. The advanced degree of polymer purification characterizes the Merocel PVA as a new industry standard in low particulates, extractable residues, chemical resistance, durability, and a distinctive open pore structure. By 1994 Merocel sales surpassed $10 million with annual sales growth up 33 percent per year.

In April, 1994 Merocel Corporation merged with Xomed-Treace, Inc. This acquisition implemented Merocel's strategic plan to grow beyond $70 million in sales.

Merocel Scientific Products Division was created in 1995 to enhance the technology associated with the Merocel polymer. In the same year, Merocel received ISO 9001 certification of its quality system.

By 1996, with increasing focus on supporting integrated circuit manufacturing; Merocel Corp. again expanded manufacturing, chemical processing and water treatment facilities to 40,000 square feet. Merocel is fully integrated, producing all of its PVA on site with purchase of only raw chemical components and packaging materials.

In 1997 Merocel Corp announced the introduction of WaferCel® roller brushes for cleaning and polishing silicon wafers. This advanced material is made of Merocel Wafer Grade PVA® for post CMP cleaning. This new ultrapure PVA has outstanding chemical resistance. It is not effected by SC-1 and SC-2 solutions and can tolerate 10% HF for over 18 hours. WaferCel® material is produced by taking advantage of newly developed formulation, extraction and purification methods. Our durable nub design withstands continuous use without stress fractures, exhibiting exceptional longevity.

WaferCel® solves defect control problems. The most commonly used roller brush sizes are available from our inventory.

In 1999 Xomed Surgical Products was acquired by Medtronic Corporation, a world leader in the development and manufacture of medical devices. Merocel Scientific Divsion was renamed Medtronic Merocel, focusing its efforts on providing ultra-pure PVA sponge for the high technology industries.

US Patent #6,004,402 was granted to Medtronic Merocel in 1999. The patent covers the purification process, which results in extractable levels of 2 ppm or less. In 2000, Medtronic Merocel received US Patent # 6,080,092 covering the unique and functional conical nubb design.

Made in the USA. US Patents # 5,979,469, 6,004,402, 6,027,573, 6,080,092