Portfolio Standard polymers

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) is a terpolymer comprising the three monomers acrylnitrile, butadien and styrene. The material belongs to amorphous thermopolymers and offers an excellent balance of rheological, impact and heat properties. The excellent flow behaviour makes it possible to manufacture thin-walled parts with short cycle types while fulfilling high requirements in terms of product design. ABS is available in a wide range of colours making it an attractive material for applications requiring colour depth and a glossy surface. The material is furthermore outstanding for coating metals (galvanising).
The automotive and electrical industry relies on ABS products; household and consumer products also dominate global demand. Examples for the use of ABS are automotive and electronic parts, motorcycle helmets, toys, housings for electrical devices and computers, edgebanding in the furniture industry or filaments for 3D printers.

Accounting for 20% of total polymer production, polypropylene (PP) is the second most prevalent polymer. The partially crystalline thermoplast belongs to the group of polyofins and, depending on the type of manufacturing and its chemical composition, is available in different versions: PP homopolymer (PPH), PP copolymer (PPC) and PP random copolymer (PPR). Its properties resemble those of polyethylene (PE), but it is harder and has increased dimensional stability under heat. Through different additives such as fibre glass, glass beads or mineral fillers, the material can be adjusted to various industrial requirements. It is odourless, tasteless and skin-friendly; its apolar nature means that it boasts outstanding chemical resistance. The material can be found in all areas of daily life, particularly in the packaging industry and in connection with food and household applications. Large quantities of products made of polypropylene are also used in the automotive industry for interior components as well as in the medical sector. Children’s toys, baby accessories and banknotes made of polypropylene foil supplement the broad range of applications of this polyolefin.

PS (Polystyrol) ist ein weit verbreiteter Standardkunststoff, der in vielen Bereichen des täglichen Lebens zum Einsatz kommt. Das Material wird als GP-PS (Standard PS, transparent) und als HI-PS (schlagzähmodifiziertes PS, natur) angeboten. Das Material vereint eine hohe Steifigkeit gepaart mit einer chemischen Beständigkeit gegenüber niedrig konzentrierten Säuren und Basen, Fetten und Ölen. Dank seiner ausgewogenen Eigenschaften wird der Thermoplast häufig in der Verpackungsindustrie angetroffen. Die wohl bekannteste Anwendung für Polystyrol ist der klassische Joghurtbecher. Das Material wird aber auch in der Elektroindustrie für Gehäuseteile eingesetzt.

Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) is a terpolymer with properties similar to ABS. The use of a special rubber when manufacturing ASA gives the material long-lasting UV and weathering resistance. This therefore preserves the high level of impact resistance as well as the colour and gloss properties, also including prolonged exposure to environmental conditions when used outdoors. In many cases, the high quality of the surface eliminates the need for that costly coats. ASA has a high level of chemical resistance and is normally used for injection mould applications. The material is used in the building sector, for electrical devices like coffeemakers and microwaves, for sports equipment, but also for vehicle exteriors.