ASA Resin Attains New Benchmark for Weather Resistance

Ineos Styrolution has improved its leading additive package for weather resistance. The new Luran S SPF60 elevates the UV stabilization of Luran S to an all-new level, providing all the properties needed for demanding outdoor applications in the automotive and construction industries. The acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) thermoplastic reportedly offers high surface quality; good impact strength, including enhanced colour deepness when exposed to UV irradiation and heat; and chemical resistance.

The new SPF60 additive package specifically designed for Luran S enhances UV resistance even further. SPF60 particularly reveals its enhanced properties in applications that require a high-gloss surface, making it suitable for demanding exterior automotive applications such as trim, rear-view-mirrors, or dual-design front grilles.

“I am excited to offer our customers a new solution that makes their outdoor applications even more attractive than before,” said Nils Becker, Technical Product Manager EMEA. “I am convinced that end users will appreciate the new solution a lot.”

SPF60 will be available along with the already existing SPF30 additive package.

In another ASA-related development, Chinese electric vehicle OEM BYD Auto selected Ineos Styrolution’s Luran S SPF 30 grade for its Dolphin model. A combination of UV resistance, a lasting premium paint-free and high-gloss appearance, and dimensional stability prompted BYD Auto to select the polymer for the Dolphin’s rear spoiler.

 “Our automotive customers, including BYD Auto, require styrenic polymers that offer greater design flexibility, enhanced material performance, and premium paint-free [appearance], making our Luran S the ideal polymer for these exterior applications,” said Sungbeom Park, Director, Asia Pacific Regional Industry Lead, Automotive, Ineos Styrolution.

In addition, the ASA material provides good surface adhesion, making it possible for car manufacturers to overlay the Luran S substrate with a hot-stamped foil for decorative features on exterior parts, such as front grilles.