ATLANTA, GEORGIA, June 15, 2004 — Huber Engineered Materials, a business unit of J.M. Huber Corporation, and Nanophase Technologies Corporation (NANX), a leading developer and manufacturer of engineered nanomaterials, have agreed to collaborate in projects directed at research and development of “nanomaterial solutions” for new or improved Huber ingredients.

The first, funded joint application project – to develop a nanomaterial product by the companies – has been initiated with plans to complete product development by the end of 2004. Other nanomaterial product application developments are currently being planned, according to Dianne Leipold, Huber’s oral and personal care segment leader.

Huber manufactures controlled process ingredients that add functionality and improve performance in a variety of personal care applications including cosmetics and deodorants. Huber’s expertise in particle and surface control of calcium silicate and other inorganic materials have led to its latest advancement, Huberderm™ sebum control ingredients.

Nanophase provides nanoengineered solutions for multiple industrial product applications. Using a platform of patented and proprietary integrated nanomaterial technologies, the company creates products with unique performance attributes from two ISO 9001:2000 facilities. Nanophase delivers commercial quantities and quality nanoparticles, coated nanoparticles and nanoparticle dispersions in a variety of media.

The relationship with Nanophase was struck with mutual understanding of each company’s level of expertise. “We are excited to partner with Huber to develop nanomaterial-based products for their customers,” stated Nanophase’s Dan Bilicki, vice president of sales and marketing. “Huber provides market leadership in performance ingredients and has the vision to embrace and incorporate nanomaterials to provide value and superior performance to the markets they serve.”

About Huber Engineered Materials

Huber Engineered Materials develops specialty ingredients and controlled function inorganic materials that enhance the performance, appeal and processing of a broad range of products used in industrial, paper and consumer-based applications. Its Controlled Function Technology® chemical product modification has resulted in advancing the art in specialty silica and silicates, alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, kaolin clay, barium sulfate and naturally mined and oyster shell calcium carbonate.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Huber Engineered Materials has offices in 15 countries. For more information, see www.hubermaterials.com

About Nanophase Technologies

Nanophase Technologies (NANX), www.nanophase.com, provides nanoengineered solutions for multiple industrial product applications. Using a platform of patented and proprietary integrated nanomaterial technologies, the Company creates products with unique performance attributes from two ISO 9001:2000 facilities. Nanophase delivers commercial quantity and quality nanoparticles, coated nanoparticles, and nanoparticle dispersions in a variety of media. The Company owns or licenses 24 United States patents and patent applications and 41 foreign patents and patent applications. Information about Nanophase may be found in the Company’s public filings or on its website. Other information on our website is not incorporated by reference into, and not be considered a part of, this press release.

Controlled Function Technology® is registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation for chemical product modification.
Huberderm™ is registered trademark of J.M. Huber Corporation for calcium silicate.