Styrenic copolymers discussed

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 20, 2003

A new book looks at the different types of styrenic copolymers available in the marketplace today.

"Styrenic copolymers" is a review of amorphous melt-processable polymers with superior surface quality, high dimensional stability and effectively constant mechanical properties almost up to their softening temperature.

In this review, the different types of styrenic copolymers available in the marketplace today are discussed.

The chemistry of the materials is outlined, together with a summary of manufacturing methods.

The morphology, manufacture and properties of the key materials are described.

The review also discusses the main market sectors for these materials: automotive and transport, electrical and electronics, and information technology applications.

In Europe alone these market sectors accounted for around 650kt of styrenic copolymers in 2001.

Styrenic copolymers can be processed by all the common methods including injection moulding, extrusion and blow moulding.

This review concentrates on interesting developments such as thin-wall techniques, multicomponent injection moulding and co-extrusion.

Dr Andreas Chrisochoou is a chemical engineer with a background in the field of polymer reactions.

He is currently Product Portfolio Manager, Bayer Polymers - Global Operations Styrenics - Global Product Management.

Daniel Dufour studied both chemistry and physics at Toulouse University, going on to qualify as a chemical engineer.

He has worked for over 35 years with Monsanto and Bayer in the field of styrenic polymers and is named on 17 patents.

He is currently General Manager and Head of Department, Bayer Polymers - Global Operations Styrenics - Global Product Management.

Rapra Review Reports contain a state-of-the-art review, written by an acknowledged expert in the field, together with several hundred of the most relevant references and abstracts identified from the Polymer Library database.

Thus they provide both a concise, readable introduction to the subject and the means of investigating key points in greater depth.

"Styrenic copolymers" retails at GBP 80 (plus postage and packaging) and is available from Rapra Technology.