Product Description

Rogers Corporation manufactured Rogers 468 flake as part of its line of asbestos-filled phenolic molding compounds. Phenolic resins — derived from the condensation of phenol and formaldehyde — served as the dominant thermoset matrix for electrical, automotive, appliance, and industrial parts through the 1940s–1970s asbestos era, valued for their dimensional stability, dielectric strength, heat resistance, and mechanical strength under load. Rogers 468 was a phenolic molding compound produced in flake form (as distinct from the granular and powder forms of other Rogers grades). The Rogers 468 grade is referenced in Industry records from the 1960s allegedly, indicating Rogers 468 was a documented supplied compound to Square D’s phenolic-molding operations.

Documented Applications and Recipient Facilities

Rogers 468 flake is documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation through publicly filed asbestos litigation records and corporate-witness publicly filed allegations. The compound’s use is documented at the Square D Company Cedar Rapids, Iowa plant in the 1960s and continued through the asbestos era. Publicly filed asbestos litigation alleges that explicitly references Rogers 468 in the context of the Missouri (Square D Columbia, MO) plant operations.

Asbestos Content

Rogers 468 flake is identified in publicly filed asbestos litigation records as an asbestos-filled phenolic molding compound, meaning asbestos fiber was an intentional and primary constituent of the product formulation rather than an incidental contaminant. The fiber loading in such compounds could constitute a substantial percentage of the product by weight, as the asbestos served multiple functional roles: reinforcing the resin matrix, improving tensile and flexural strength, extending heat resistance beyond what the unfilled resin could achieve, and providing dimensional stability during thermal cycling.

Once fully cured, phenolic molding compounds encapsulate the fiber within a hardened resin matrix. However, the bonded state of fibers in a finished molded part does not eliminate exposure risk across the full product lifecycle. Asbestos fibers in such materials become releasable during mechanical processing, machining, finishing operations, and whenever the cured part is cut, drilled, ground, or abraded.

How Workers Were Exposed

Litigation records document that industrial workers encountered Rogers 468 flake and similar asbestos-filled phenolic compounds at multiple stages — from raw material handling through finished-part fabrication and downstream use:

  • Compound handling and hopper loading — transferring asbestos-filled phenolic compound from drums or bags into press hoppers; one of the highest-exposure tasks documented in phenolic molding operations
  • Compression and transfer press operation — hot molding releases compound dust when molds open between cycles
  • Tumbling, deflashing, and machining — finishing operations on cured phenolic parts release fiber from the matrix
  • Assembly and sub-assembly — fitting phenolic-molded components during switchgear and breaker build-up
  • Quality control and rework — disassembly during calibration and rebuild exposes workers to phenolic-part dust
  • Receiving, stockroom, and shipping — moving phenolic compound (drums, bags) and finished components

Documented Recipient Facilities

  • Square D Company — Cedar Rapids, Iowa (mid-1960s onward; referenced in 1964 internal engineering notes by Square D’s molding process engineer)
  • Square D Company — Columbia, Missouri (referenced in October 5, 1979 Square D internal memo)
  • Square D’s national supplier base for phenolic compound included Rogers Corporation alongside Plenco, Durez, Fiberite, GE Phenolic, Reichhold, Monsanto Resinox, Union Carbide / Bakelite, and Westinghouse Micarta

Workers exposed to Rogers 468 flake at any documented recipient facility — or to similar asbestos-filled phenolic compounds at downstream end-user facilities — may have legal rights if they have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease. Asbestos-related diseases can develop silently for 20, 30, or even 40 years after initial exposure.

Free, confidential case evaluation: Speak with O’Brien Law Firm — (314) 936-2956

All consultations are free. No fee unless a financial recovery is made on your behalf.