Styron (Midland, Michigan / USA; www.styron.com), has introduced “Magnum” matte finish ABS resin that it says is suited to use in applications including panels and interior components of public transport, automotive and leisure vehicles. Athlone Extrusions (Athlone / Ireland; www.athloneextrusions.ie) and VitasheetGroup (Middleton, Manchester / UK; www.vitasheetgroup.co.uk) were partners in the development of the new material.

Styron’s mass polymerisation process results in a stable product on line, which offers a very low gel content and is ideal for self-colouring. Styron says the material is consistent and provides a matte finish equal to or better than competitive grades. It has good flow properties and colour flexibility. As a result of these performance and processing properties, the material’s application is claimed to bring improved margins. The majority of Athlone’s matt ABS sheet production today utilises the material and Vitasheet uses it as its core resin.