Details
Material hierarchy: Polymer - Thermoplastic - Styrenic
Styrene-Acrylonitrile is abbreviated SAN. These copolymers are transparent, amorphous materials with higher heat and chemical resistance than crystal polystyrene has. Because they are polar in nature, SAN resins are hygroscopic and require drying before processing. SAN is injection-molded.
When olefin-modified, SAN becomes a tough, weatherable polymer that can be extruded into sheets and profiles as well as injection-molded. Its primary use, however, is as an extruded capstock for ABS and other less expensive substrates to provide weatherability for applications such as spas, boats, swimming pools, and recreactional vehicles.
Common Applications
- dishwasher-safe housewares
- refrigerator shelves
- medical devices
- ovencaps
- connectors for PVC tubing
- lenses