Sabic Innovative Plastics (SIP, Bergen op Zoom / The Netherlands; www.sabic-ip.com) has introduced several new PC-based copolymers as part of its “Lexan” range.

The new HFD speciality copolymer resins, the company says, offer high melt flow and improved ductility without traditional decreases in toughness. They were developed for applications requiring thin-wall parts, complex geometries and high-impact products that can withstand very low temperatures while retaining clarity. HFD copolymer resins are available in five grades, with or without UV stabilisers."

Lexan XHT is a flame retardant designed for temperatures ranging from 140-195 °C, while Sabic offers Lexan FST as a transparent material for use in railway vehicles as well as air and space travel. The new Lexan DMX offers a very high scratch resistance without requiring any additional coatings since its surface is 2.5 times harder than that of standard PC.

Sabic says its new SLX types contain a special molecule that forms a protective layer over the plastic, thereby enhancing UV stability. The last new material, Lexan EXL, has a high impact strength and is suitable for materials with thin walls and sharp notches.