Frequently Asked Questions
Q: STYROSUN resins are an alternative for which resins?
A: STYROSUN resins are an alternative to UV stabilized high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), UV stabilized acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA). STYROSUN resins can also replace acrylic and PVC in select applications.
Q: What are the current applications for STYROSUN resins?
A: STYROSUN resins are currently used in synthetic lumber, weather measuring devices, indoor/outdoor shutters & building trim, antennas, satellite dishes, mobile home/RV components (such as window frames) and recreation applications.
Q: What are potential applications for STYROSUN resins?
A: Potential applications include inset window frames on doors, outdoor signs, dryer vents, sprinkler & irrigation components and other outdoor and gardening accessories.
Q: How do STYROSUN applications in Europe translate to North American applications?
A: Examples of commercial applications from Europe demonstrate the performance capabilities of STYROSUN resins under outdoor European testing methods. Applications from Europe do not necessarily translate to North American applications, as requirements, testing methods and sun exposure can be different. Customers must determine the suitability of STYROSUN resins for their North American applications.
Q: How does the UV stability of STYROSUN resins compare to competitive resins?
A: STYROSUN resins offer substantially improved UV resistance compared to UV-stabilized HIPS and UV-stabilized ABS. In laboratory testing STYROSUN resins demonstrated a lower colour shift and better physical property retention after UV exposure compared to UV-stabilized HIPS.
Q: Why do STYROSUN resins have better UV stability than HIPS and ABS?
A: HIPS and ABS contain polybutadiene rubber as an impact modifier. Polybutadiene rubber quickly degrades when exposed to UV light. STYROSUN resins are impact modified with EPDM rubber. EPDM rubber is much less sensitive to UV light and outdoor weathering conditions than polybutadiene rubber.
Q: How does the outdoor lifespan of STYROSUN resins compare to other materials such as HIPS and ABS?
A: HIPS and ABS lose their mechanical properties and discolour very rapidly. STYROSUN resins exhibit substantially longer life than ABS or HIPS. In European field testing 5–10 years of functional life has been observed in typical STYROSUN applications.
Q: What are the benefits of STYROSUN resins?
A: STYROSUN resins are a cost effective alternative to other weatherable polymers. In addition to UV and weather stability, STYROSUN resins provide outstanding toughness, good heat resistance, dimensional stability, processing advantages and easy colouring at the press.
Q: Do STYROSUN resins require drying?
A: STYROSUN resins do not require drying.
Q: What processes can be used with STYROSUN resins?
A: STYROSUN resins can be injection molded, blow molded, extruded, profile-extruded and thermoformed. STYROSUN resins can also be co-extruded with a polystyrene core to produce a cost-effective structure.
Q: What is the finished surface appearance of applications using STYROSUN resins?
A: With normal processing conditions STYROSUN resins will have a matte surface appearance.
Q: Do STYROSUN resins require painting for added UV and weather protection?
A: No, STYROSUN resins do not need additional protection, but it is possible to paint applications using STYROSUN resins.
Q: Can STYROSUN resins be decorated or colored?
A: Many outdoor point-of-purchase displays require printing, decorating, or colouring. Applications using STYROSUN resins can be printed, decorated or coloured for aesthetic purposes. For outdoor use, colour pigments require a UV stabilizer to maintain the desired colour.
Q: Where is STYROSUN available?
A: STYROSUN is available from INEOS NOVA in Europe and North America.
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