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Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA)

ASA is a copolymer of SAN and acrylic rubber, and it is a highly functional plastic with excellent weatherability while maintaining most of the advantages of ABS. Thanks to its excellent retention of physical properties and appearances in outdoor applications for a long time, it is used as a material for automobile exterior, construction and furniture finishing sheet, etc.
Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate structure
ASA is typically formed by grafting acrylonitrile and styrene onto an acrylic ester elastomer backbone. The acrylic ester phase provides the material with flexibility and impact resistance, while the acrylonitrile and styrene phases contribute to rigidity, chemical resistance, and surface finish.
Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate properties
Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate (ASA) polymer exhibits a combination of properties that make it well-suited for outdoor and demanding applications. Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) polymer is a thermoplastic known for its excellent weather resistance, high impact strength, and UV stability, making it ideal for outdoor applications. It combines the toughness of acrylonitrile, the rigidity of styrene, and the weather-resistant properties of acrylic ester, resulting in a material that maintains its color, gloss, and mechanical integrity even under prolonged exposure to sunlight and harsh environmental conditions. ASA is resistant to chemicals, heat, and environmental stress cracking, and it exhibits good processability, enabling it to be molded into complex shapes. Its durability and aesthetic qualities make it suitable for use in automotive parts, outdoor furniture, and building materials.
Application
Automotive Industry
  • Exterior Components: Used for manufacturing exterior parts like side view mirrors, radiator grilles, and trims due to its resistance to UV radiation and harsh weather conditions.
  • Interior Components: Employed in dashboards, panels, and other interior parts requiring durability and aesthetic appeal.
Building and Construction
  • Roofing and Cladding: ASA is used in roofing sheets, siding, and cladding materials for its resistance to fading and cracking when exposed to sunlight.
  • Windows and Doors: Frames and profiles made of ASA are durable and maintain their color over time.
Electrical and Electronics
  • Casing and Enclosures: ASA is used in the production of enclosures for electronic devices, electrical components, and appliances due to its impact resistance and aesthetic surface finish.
  • Connectors and Insulators: The polymer is valued for its insulating properties and stability.
Consumer Goods
  • Outdoor Furniture: Widely used for chairs, tables, and other outdoor furniture because it retains color and strength under prolonged exposure to sunlight and rain.
  • Household Items: Utilized in kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners, and other durable goods.
Three-D Printing
  • Filament Material: ASA is a popular material for 3D printing, especially for outdoor applications, as it offers better UV resistance compared to ABS.
Advantages
  • High impact strength
  • Good Processability
  • Weather Resistance
  • Color and Gloss Retention
  • Durability
Disadvantages
  • Limited High-Temperature Resistance
  • Flammability
  • Lower Strength Compared to Metals
  • Environmental Impact

Emulsion

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer made from the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers (VCM). PVC is produced by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomers using different techniques.one of these techniques is emulsion polymerization.PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) emulsion grade is a type of PVC resin produced via the emulsion polymerization process. This method results in very fine particles of PVC, which are ideal for applications requiring a smooth, uniform texture.
Structure
PVC emulsion grade is a fine-particle polymer produced through emulsion polymerization, resulting in a high molecular weight material with excellent dispersion and film-forming properties. Its structure consists of small, porous particles that readily absorb plasticizers, making it ideal for flexible and soft applications. The polymer chains in emulsion-grade PVC are densely packed, contributing to its superior adhesion, smooth surface finish, and enhanced mechanical properties. Unlike suspension-grade PVC, which has larger and more irregular particles, emulsion-grade PVC exhibits a uniform texture and lower gelation temperature, making it suitable for applications such as synthetic leather, vinyl flooring, medical gloves, and textile coatings. This structural composition allows for easy processing in plastisols and organosols, ensuring a high degree of flexibility, durability, and aesthetic appeal in the final products.
Properties
PVC emulsion grade is a fine-particle, high molecular weight polymer known for its excellent dispersion and film-forming properties. It has a small particle size, typically in the range of 0.1–2.0 microns, which allows for superior surface finish and enhanced mechanical strength in end applications. This grade of PVC exhibits good plasticizer absorption, making it ideal for flexible and soft products such as synthetic leather, flooring, coatings, and dip-molded goods. It also offers high viscosity in plastisol form, ensuring uniform application in coatings and pastes. Additionally, PVC emulsion grade demonstrates good chemical resistance, durability, and thermal stability, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.
Applications of PVC Emulsion Grade:
  1. Synthetic Leather – Used in the production of artificial leather for furniture, automotive upholstery, and fashion accessories.
  2. Coatings & Paints – Provides a smooth and durable finish in coatings for fabrics, wallpapers, and flooring.
  3. Dipping Products – Used in medical gloves, toys, and tool grips due to its excellent film-forming properties.
  4. Flooring & Wall Coverings – Applied in vinyl flooring, wall coverings, and laminates for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
  5. Printing Inks – Improves adhesion and flexibility in specialized printing inks.
  6. Automotive & Construction – Utilized in automotive interiors and flexible membranes in construction applications.
Advantages of PVC Emulsion Grade:
✔ Excellent Film Formation – Ensures smooth, uniform coatings and films. ✔ High Plasticizer Absorption – Enables flexibility and softness in final products. ✔ Good Chemical & Weather Resistance – Resistant to moisture, chemicals, and UV exposure, enhancing durability. ✔ Fine Particle Size – Allows superior surface finish and controlled viscosity in plastisol applications. ✔ Versatility – Suitable for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.
Disadvantages of PVC Emulsion Grade:
✖ Environmental Concerns – Contains plasticizers and additives that may cause pollution or health risks if not properly managed. ✖ Processing Sensitivity – Requires precise temperature control during processing to prevent degradation. ✖ Lower Heat Resistance – Can soften or degrade at high temperatures, limiting its use in extreme conditions. ✖ Limited Biodegradability – Like other PVC types, it does not decompose easily, posing disposal challenges.

Extrusion

The extrusion process is basically designed to continuously convert a soft material into a particular form. The heart of this processing/fabrication machine is a screw conveyer. It carries the cold plastic material (in granular or powdered form) forward by the action of the screw and squeezes it, and, with heat from external heaters and the friction of viscous flow, changes it to a molten stream (refer to Figure 1). As it does this, it develops pressure on the material, which is highest right before the molten plastic enters the die. The screen pack, consisting of a number of fine or coarse mesh gauzes supported on a breaker plate and placed between the screw and the die, filter out dirt and unfused polymer lumps. The pressure on the molten plastic forces it through an adapter and into the die, which dictates the shape of the final extrudate.
Hot extrusion
Hot extrusion is a hot working process, which means it is done above the material’s recrystallization temperature to keep the material from work hardening and to make it easier to push the material through the die. Most hot extrusions are done on horizontal hydraulic presses that range from 230 to 11,000 metric tons . Pressures range from 30 to 700 MPa , therefore lubrication is required, which can be oil or graphite for lower temperature extrusions, or glass powder for higher temperature extrusions. The biggest disadvantage of this process is its cost for machinery and its upkeep.
Cold extrusion
Cold Extrusion is a push-through compressive forming process with the starting material (billet/slug) at room temperature. During the process, however, the deforming material undergoes deformation heating (conversion of deformation work to heat) to several hundred degrees. Typically, a punch is used to apply pressure to the billet enclosed, partially or completely, in a stationary die.
Advantages of Extrusion:
  • Cost-effective for large-scale production with minimal waste.
  • Versatile: Supports various materials and shapes.
  • Customizable: Additives and design flexibility.
  • Consistent quality and scalable production.
  • Energy-efficient and integrates with other processes.
Disadvantages of  Extrusion:
  • Material limitations: Not all polymers are suitable.
  • High setup costs: Equipment and dies are expensive.
  • Dimensional variability: Cooling shrinkage and die swell.
  • Shape limitations: Intricate designs are challenging.
  • Quality control issues: Surface defects and material inconsistencies.
  • Post-processing needs: Cutting, finishing, or coating required.
  • Environmental concerns: Energy use and plastic waste.
Application of extrusion
1.Construction Industry
  • Pipes and tubing (e.g., PVC pipes, drainage systems).
  • Window and door profiles (e.g., uPVC frames).
  • Insulation materials (e.g., foam boards, weather seals).
2.Packaging Industry
  • Plastic films and sheets (e.g., food packaging, shrink wraps).
  • Containers and trays.
3.Automotive Industry
  • Seals and gaskets.
  • Wire and cable insulation.
  • Interior trims and protective sheathing.
4.Consumer Goods
  • Straws, ropes, and garden hoses.
  • Plastic profiles for furniture or appliances.
5.Electrical and Electronics
  • Wire and cable coatings.
  • Conduits for electrical wiring.
6.Medical Field
  • Catheters, tubing, and other medical-grade profiles.
7.Industrial Applications
  • Conveyor belts and guides.
  • Protective linings for machinery.
8.Agriculture
  • Irrigation tubing and films.
  • Greenhouse covers.
Polymer extrusion is versatile, making it crucial in industries requiring continuous, customizable plastic products.

General Purpose PolyStyrene GPPS

General purpose polystyrene, abbreviated as “GPPS”, is made from the styrene monomer polymer through a suspension process. It is a solid product that is compressed into granules to produce a wide range of products. This material has high clarity and transparency. GPPS is a rigid and transparent thermoplastic polymer that is highly versatile and easy to process. GPPS has excellent electrical insulation properties, is lightweight, and has good dimensional stability. It is commonly used in a wide range of applications such as packaging, household items, and office supplies.

Structure

GPPS is a thermoplastic polymer that is made from styrene monomer. The chemical structure of GPPS consists of a linear chain of styrene monomer units that are joined together by covalent bonds. The properties of GPPS can be modified by copolymerizing it with other monomers such as acrylonitrile, butadiene, Zinc or methyl methacrylate.

Properties

GPPS is highly resistant to moisture and has good electrical insulation properties. IT is a brittle material with low-impact strength. It has a tensile strength of 50-60 MPa and a flexural modulus of 2,200-2,500 MPa. GPPS has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 85-105°C and a melting temperature (Tm) of 200-240°C. It has a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 70-80°C under a load of 0.45 MPa.

Application

General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) is a versatile thermoplastic material that finds use in a variety of applications. Here are some of the most common applications of GPPS: Packaging GPPS is a popular choice for packaging materials due to its excellent transparency, rigidity, and moldability. It is commonly used to make food containers, disposable cutlery, and CD cases.  GPPS is also used in the production of blister packs, which are commonly used to package pharmaceuticals. Consumer Products GPPS is used in the production of various consumer products due to its excellent electrical insulation properties, lightweight, and dimensional stability. It is commonly used to make toys, cosmetic packaging, and household items such as hangers, trays, and organizers. Building and Construction GPPS is used in the construction industry due to its excellent insulation properties, lightweight, and dimensional stability. It is commonly used to make insulation foam boards, window frames, and light fixtures. GPPS is also used in the automotive industry to make various parts such as instrument panels, door panels, and grilles due to its excellent moldability and dimensional stability.

Advantages

  • excellent moldability
  • good insulator of heat and electricity
  • versatile and cost-effective
  • clear visibility of the contents inside
  • Good dimensional stability

Disadvantages

  • low-impact strength
  • low thermal stability
  • non-biodegradable

Low Density PolyEthylene Injection (LDPE)

LDPE injection molding grade LDPE injection molding grade is a specialized type of Low-Density Polyethylene designed for molding applications that require flexibility, impact resistance, and ease of processing.
Structure
The structure of LDPE injection molding grade is characterized by highly branched, amorphous polymer configuration, which distinguishes it from other forms of polyethylene such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The polymer chains in LDPE are irregularly branched, meaning the chains do not pack closely together, resulting in a low degree of crystallinity. The polymerization of LDPE occurs through free-radical polymerization, typically under high pressure, which causes the long chains of the polymer to have side branches. For the injection molding grade, the polymer structure is tailored to achieve a higher melt flow index (MFI), which facilitates the material’s smooth flow and filling into injection molds.
Properties
LDPE injection molding grade is a versatile polymer characterized by its high degree of branching and amorphous structure, which results in excellent flexibility. This material ensures smooth and efficient flow during the injection molding process. This makes it suitable for producing intricate parts with good surface finish. LDPE injection molding grade exhibits moderate tensile strength (around 8-12 MPa) and excellent elongation at break, providing resistance to cracking and impact. The material is also known for its good chemical resistance, particularly against acids, bases, and alcohols, while being less resistant to hydrocarbons. Additionally, it offers low moisture absorption and performs well under low temperatures, maintaining its flexibility. LDPE is easy to process and heat sealable. Despite its high impact resistance and toughness, it has a relatively low stiffness compared to higher-density polyethylene grades.
 Applications
  • Consumer Products:
    • Household containers, lids, and dispensers
    • Toys and other recreational items
    • Furniture parts and lightweight molded components
  • Packaging Industry:
    • Caps, closures, and flexible lids
    • Cosmetic and personal care packaging
    • Food storage containers (FDA-approved grades)
  • Medical & Pharmaceutical:
    • Syringes, laboratory equipment, and sterile packaging
    • Medical device housings and disposable instruments
  • Industrial & Electrical:
    • Cable coatings and wire insulation
    • Protective covers and soft-touch components
    • Pipes and low-pressure fittings
  • Automotive Industry:
    • Interior trims, protective covers, and soft components
    • Fluid storage containers and under-the-hood parts
  • Construction & Agriculture:
    • Waterproofing membranes, gaskets, and sealants
    • Molded irrigation components

Advantages 
  • Excellent Processability
  • High Flexibility & Impact Resistance
  • Lightweight Material
  • Good Chemical & Moisture Resistance
  • Food-Safe and Non-Toxic
  • Cost-Effective

Disadvantages
  • Low Mechanical Strength
  • Limited Heat Resistance
  • Poor UV Resistance
  • Not Biodegradable
  • Weak Barrier Properties

Suspension

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Suspension Grade is one of the most widely used thermoplastic polymers, produced through the suspension polymerization process. This method results in free-flowing, fine particles that can be processed into various products. Suspension PVC (S-PVC) is known for its versatility, chemical resistance, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice in multiple industries.
Structure
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) suspension grade is a thermoplastic polymer produced through the suspension polymerization process. In this method, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is dispersed in water with the help of suspending agents and polymerized using free radical initiators. The resulting PVC resin consists of fine, porous, and free-flowing particles with a relatively high molecular weight, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The polymer structure is primarily composed of repeating vinyl chloride units (–CH₂–CHCl–), forming a linear polymer chain with varying degrees of polymerization. PVC suspension grade is widely used in the manufacturing of pipes, fittings, films, sheets, and rigid as well as flexible products due to its excellent mechanical strength, durability, and chemical resistance. The properties of the resin, such as particle size, porosity, and bulk density, can be adjusted by controlling the polymerization conditions, making it versatile for different industrial applications.
Properties
PVC suspension grade exhibits a combination of excellent physical, mechanical, and chemical properties, making it highly versatile for industrial applications. It appears as a white, free-flowing powder with a bulk density ranging from 0.45 to 0.65 g/cm³ and a particle size typically between 50-250 microns. Its high porosity allows for better plasticizer absorption, making it suitable for both rigid and flexible products. Mechanically, it offers good tensile strength, typically between 40-60 MPa, and moderate to high impact resistance, which can be enhanced with additives. Chemically, PVC suspension grade is highly resistant to acids, bases, and many chemicals, ensuring durability in harsh environments. It also has low water absorption, which provides excellent dimensional stability. However, it is susceptible to UV degradation, requiring stabilizers for outdoor applications. These properties make PVC suspension grade ideal for manufacturing pipes, profiles, films, and various other rigid and flexible products.
Applications
  • Construction Industry: Pipes, fittings, window profiles, doors, roofing sheets
  • Packaging Industry: Films, sheets, bottles
  • Automotive Industry: Interior trims, dashboards, wire insulation
  • Medical Sector: Tubing, blood bags, IV containers
  • Electrical Applications: Cable insulation, coatings
Advantages
  • High durability and strength – Ideal for long-term use
  • Excellent chemical resistance – Withstands acids, bases, and oils
  • Cost-effective – Affordable compared to other polymers
  • Low water absorption – Ensures dimensional stability
  • Easily processable – Can be molded, extruded, and shaped easily
  • Customizable – Properties can be modified with additives
Disadvantages
  • UV degradation – Becomes brittle under prolonged sunlight exposure
  • Toxic gas release – Emits harmful gases (HCl) when burned
  • Health concerns – Some plasticizers used in flexible PVC may have risks
  • Not biodegradable – Raises environmental concerns regarding disposal
Limited high-temperature resistance – Can deform under extreme heat

Thermoplastic PolyOlefins (TPO)

Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPO) are a class of polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomers that combine the properties of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and elastomers. They are widely used in various industries due to their durability, flexibility, chemical resistance, and ease of processing.
Structure
Thermoplastic polyolefins (TPOs) have a heterogeneous polymer structure, consisting of a semi-crystalline polypropylene (PP) matrix blended with amorphous elastomeric domains, typically ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) or ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR). The PP component provides rigidity, thermal stability, and strength, while the elastomeric phase contributes flexibility, impact resistance, and toughness. Unlike copolymers, TPOs maintain a phase-separated microstructure, where the rubber particles are dispersed within the PP matrix rather than chemically bonded. This structure allows TPOs to remain thermoplastic, meaning they can be melted and reprocessed without undergoing permanent chemical cross-linking. Additionally, the presence of optional fillers such as talc, glass fibers, or carbon black can modify properties like stiffness and durability. The balance between the crystalline regions of PP and the amorphous elastomer phase gives TPOs their unique combination of strength, flexibility, and recyclability, making them ideal for applications in automotive parts, roofing membranes, and flexible packaging materials.
Properties
Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPOs) possess a unique combination of mechanical, thermal, chemical, and electrical properties that make them highly versatile in various applications. Mechanically, they offer high impact resistance, good flexibility, and moderate stiffness, thanks to the combination of a semi-crystalline polypropylene (PP) matrix and elastomeric components such as ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) or EPDM. They also exhibit excellent tear and abrasion resistance, making them durable in demanding environments. Thermally, TPOs can withstand temperatures up to 120–140°C, with a relatively low melting point (~165°C for the PP phase), allowing for easy processing via injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. Chemically, they are highly resistant to oils, greases, solvents, acids, and bases, and with proper stabilization, they offer good UV and weather resistance, making them suitable for outdoor applications such as automotive exteriors and roofing membranes. Additionally, TPOs have low water absorption, ensuring dimensional stability in humid conditions. Electrically, they function as good insulators, making them useful in select wire and cable applications. Their thermoplastic nature allows for melting and reshaping, making them highly recyclable and environmentally friendly compared to traditional thermoset rubbers. Moreover, TPOs are lightweight, contributing to fuel efficiency in automotive applications and reducing material costs. These combined properties make TPOs ideal for automotive bumpers, flexible packaging, consumer goods, and construction materials.
Applications of Thermoplastic PolyOlefins
  • Automotive Industry:
    • Bumpers and fascias
    • Interior trim panels and dashboard components
    • Weather seals and underbody shields
    • Lightweight structural parts for fuel efficiency
  • Roofing & Construction:
    • TPO roofing membranes (waterproof and UV-resistant)
    • Flexible building materials and siding
    • Window and door seals
  • Consumer Goods:
    • Sporting equipment (e.g., soft-touch grips, protective gear)
    • Medical components (due to chemical resistance)
    • Household items like storage bins and furniture components
  • Packaging Industry:
    • Rigid and flexible food containers
    • Industrial packaging solutions
  • Electrical & Electronics:
    • Wire and cable insulation
    • Protective casings for devices
Advantages of Thermoplastic PolyOlefins
High Impact Resistance – Absorbs shocks and mechanical stress effectively Flexible Yet Durable – Balances elasticity with structural integrity Excellent Weather & UV Resistance – Ideal for outdoor applications Good Chemical & Water Resistance – Resists oils, solvents, and moisture Lightweight – Reduces material costs and improves fuel efficiency in vehicles Easy to Process & Mold – Can be injection molded, extruded, or thermoformed Thermoplastic & Recyclable – Can be reprocessed, making it an eco-friendly choice Cost-Effective – Lower production costs compared to thermoset rubbers
Disadvantages of Thermoplastic PolyOlefins 
Lower Heat Resistance – Limited to around 120–140°C, making it unsuitable for high-heat applications Lower Stiffness Compared to Some Plastics – May require reinforcement (e.g., glass fibers) for structural strength Surface Finish Limitations – May require coatings or treatments for improved aesthetics Difficult to Bond with Adhesives – Requires specialized bonding techniques due to low surface energy Can Become Brittle in Extreme Cold – Some formulations may lose flexibility at very low temperatures