Advanced polycarbonate copolymer resins for chemical resistance

SABIC introduced its new LNP^™ ELCRES^™ CXL polycarbonate (PC) copolymer resins featuring exceptional chemical resistance. These specialty materials are well suited to help customers in the mobility, electronics, industrial and infrastructure markets address increased exposure to harsh chemicals that can cause environmental stress cracking and premature failure. In addition to providing higher chemical resistance than incumbent materials, LNP ELCRES CXL copolymer resins can enhance part durability and reliability with excellent low-temperature impact resistance and weatherability.

“Several trends are contributing to greater chemical exposure for plastic parts,” said Maureen MacDonald-Stein, Director, Portfolio Strategy and Marketing, SABIC Polymers, Specialties business. “Heightened concerns about cleanliness have persisted after the pandemic, prompting consumers to frequently disinfect surfaces from smartphone displays to EV charger handles. The growing popularity of wearables and the constant use of smartphones bring electronics into ongoing contact with skin oils, lotions and other personal care products. Our new LNP ELCRES CXL materials help maintain part performance and aesthetics, even as chemicals become more aggressive and exposure intensifies.”

Chemically Resistant PC Copolymers for Multiple Industries

The new LNP ELCRES CXL copolymer resins can deliver remarkable chemical resistance, exceeding the performance of traditional amorphous materials like polycarbonate (PC) resins and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blends. SABIC’s internal testing revealed that LNP ELCRES CXL copolymer resins are highly resistant to diverse chemicals found in the mobility, industrial, infrastructure and electronics sectors. Representative mobility and infrastructure chemicals were tested. They include gasoline, antifreeze, caustic soda (5% solution) and a number of related chemicals. For industrial applications, testing against typical chemical exposures included tar remover, brake fluid and many other substances. In cases where consumers interact with mobility, industrial and infrastructure devices, LNP ELCRES CXL copolymer resins can offer improved chemical resistance to the components found in hand creams, sunscreens, insect repellents, cleaning solutions and hand sanitizers.

The new SABIC CXL portfolio offers a wide range of products, including opaque and transparent non-flame retardant (FR) grades, opaque, thin-wall FR grades and glass-reinforced options. These materials also deliver value-added features such as non-brominated/non-chlorinated FR at thin gauges, low-temperature ductility (down to -60°C), high flow for easy processing and good colorability to meet aesthetic requirements. They can meet both ultraviolet (UV) and water immersion requirements (f1 rating) for outdoor suitability under UL746C.

To help provide a path toward carbon neutrality, SABIC offers ISCC PLUS certified bio-renewable versions of the new materials, supplied under the LNP^™ ELCRIN^™ CXL brand. They use bio-based alternative feedstocks with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional feedstocks. These bio-based grades can reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to traditional counterparts, while delivering the same performance. These grades are new additions to the company’s TRUCIRCLE^™ program, which are products and services that aim to help companies around the world meet their sustainability goals.

“Our LNP ELCRES CXL copolymer resins can help manufacturers and brands keep pace with the increasing risks of performance and aesthetic degradation posed by more-widespread use of chemicals,” said Scott Fisher, General Manager, Technology, SABIC Polymers, Specialties business. “Our proprietary copolymer technology rises to the challenge of protecting applications from damage and loss of value caused by these substances. By helping to extend the useful life of components, LNP ELCRES CXL materials contribute to sustainability, brand reputation and customer satisfaction.”