AUTOS

Corning Unveils Pollution-Control System: Corning Inc. unveiled an automobile pollution-control system that it said will easily surpass strict emission limits in place for cars in 2000 and beyond. At the same time, AlliedSignal Inc. said it expects to have a similar system ready to go later this year. Both systems are aimed at cold-start emissions, the hydrocarbons emitted during the first minute or so after engine start-up, before the catalytic converter becomes hot enough to operate. During this period, a converter-equipped car produces 70% to 80% of its total pollutants. Both new systems use a gas-trapping substance called zeolite, a crystal of two minerals, alumina and silica, to trap and hold hydrocarbon molecules until the catalyst reaches operating temperature.