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Methodology

Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) is an optically clear resin which when compared with general-purpose polystyrene has improved toughness and rigidity, better solvent and chemical resistance, and somewhat greater heat resistance.

SAN copolymers rank among the hard engineering plastics. Its properties are influenced both by its molecular weight and by its acrylonitrile content. If the two parameters are increased simultaneously, this will raise the strength, rigidity, impact strength, heat resistance and stress cracking resistance.

SAN normally has good colour stability, but the acrylonitrile in the product tends to yellow from heat and ultraviolet light exposure. During the mid-1980s, producers made improvements in the optical clarity, heat resistance and antistatic capabilities of SAN. However, these resins are brittle and lack good impact resistance. Although SAN prices are much higher than those of polystyrene, SAN’s desirable properties justify its use for certain applications.

It is used in household and sanitary applications, office articles, cosmetic packaging, transparent covers, lighters, sanitary applications and battery housings.

ICIS pricing quotes Styrene Acrylonitrile in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

To find out more Styrene Acrylonitrile Methodology September 2013