Styrene copolymer: The rubber makes the difference

Pinneberg/Germany, August 23rd, 2017

The company currently offers a range of styrene copolymers: SAN, ABS, MABS, ASA, and AES as well as their blends. The common feature in all of these is SAN (styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer), which provides thermal stability, surface hardness, and a good processability. The additional component is the respective rubber, which is critical for the wide range of applications of styrene copolymers.

ROMIRA is one of the few companies worldwide to offer AES as a further product solution alongside ABS and ASA. Together with the other styrene copolymers, this results in a very flexible and versatile product portfolio in this sector.

On account of its high ambient and low-temperature impact strength, ABS offers good dimensional stability, even under high stress. Due to its cost efficiency and good balance of properties, ABS is the standard material for applications in the fields of electrical engineering and electronics (E&E), toys, and automotive interiors. Apart from the use of ABS as a standard material, it also has special characteristics. Flame-retardant ABS types can be found in the product portfolio of ROMIRA alongside specially modified High-Heat types for applications that make high demands on the material’s heat resistance. Furthermore, the surface properties of the ABS can be selectively adjusted and functionalized. Metallization, for example, allows for the production of metallic finished surfaces, such as those found in the sanitary and automotive sectors.

ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) has not only excellent mechanical properties but also better resistance to UV and weathering than ABS. It is, therefore, the standard plastic when it comes to outdoor applications. Thanks to its outstanding UV-resistance, a key property of the product class, ASA has established itself for use in external automotive parts and in the field of recreation and sports. ASA also displays great potential in the production of various extrusion profiles for the building and construction industry.

A lesser known member of the styrene copolymers family, AES (acrylonitrile EPDM rubber styrene), has attracted little attention on the market to date. AES combines the advantageous properties of ABS and ASA – good impact strength together with excellent resistance to UV and weathering – making for an interesting properties profile. Accordingly, AES is a very good solution for applications requiring both good mechanical properties and high durability under the effects of weathering. The fields of application for AES are particularly versatile – from roofing materials, garden furniture through to radiator grills and door sections.