2 Styrenic Plastics
This chapter on styrenic plastics covers a broad
class of polymeric materials of which an important
part is styrene. Styrene, also known as vinyl ben-
zene, is an organic compound with the chemical
formula C6H5CHQCH2. Its structure is shown in
Figure 2.1.
It is used as a monomer to make plastics such as
polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),
styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), and the other polymers
in this chapter.
2.1 Polystyrene
Polystyrene is the simplest plastic based on sty-
rene. Its structure is shown in Figure 2.2.
Pure solid polystyrene is a colorless, hard plastic
with limited flexibility. Polystyrene can be trans-
parent or can be made in various colors. It is eco-
nomical and is used for producing plastic model
assembly kits, plastic cutlery, CD “jewel” cases,
and many other objects where a fairly rigid, eco-
nomical plastic is desired.
Polystyrene’s most common use, however, is as
expanded polystyrene (EPS). EPS is produced from
a mixture of about 5 10% gaseous blowing agent
(most commonly pentane or carbon dioxide) and
90 95% polystyrene by weight. The solid plastic
beads are expanded into foam through the use of
heat (usually steam). The heating is carried out in a
large vessel holding 200 2000 L. An agitator is
used to keep the beads from fusing together. The
expanded beads are lighter than unexpanded beads
so they are forced to the top of the vessel and
removed. This expansion process lowers the density
of the beads to 3% of their original value and yields
a smooth-skinned, closed cell structure. Next, the
preexpanded beads are usually “aged” for at least
24 h in mesh storage silos. This allows air to dif-
fuse into the beads, cooling them and making them
harder. These expanded beads are excellent for
detailed molding. Extruded polystyrene (XPS),
which is different from EPS, is commonly known
McKeen: The Effect of Creep and other Time Related Factors on Plastics and Elastomers.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-35313-7.00002-X
© 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
by the trade name StyrofoamTM. All these foams
are not of interest in this book.
Three general forms of polystyrene are:
1. General purpose (PS or GPPS)
2. High impact (HIPS)
3. Syndiotactic (SPS or sPS).
One of the most important plastics is high-
impact polystyrene, or HIPS. This is a styrene
matrix that is imbedded with an impact modifier,
which is basically a rubber-like polymer such as
polybutadiene. This is shown in Figure 2.3.
Manufacturers and trade names: BASF poly-
styrene and polystyrol, Dow Chemical Trycitet,
Styron Styront.
Applications and uses:
General purpose: yogurt, cream, butter, meat
trays, egg cartons, fruit and vegetable trays, as well
as cakes, croissants, and cookies. medical and pack-
aging/disposables, bakery packaging, and large and
small appliances, medical and packaging/disposa-
bles, particularly where clarity is required.
High impact: refrigeration accessories, small
appliances, electric lawn and garden equipment,
toys, and remote controls.
Data for Styrolution® polystyrene plastics are
found in Figures 2.4 2.17.
2.2 Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) is the acro-
nym for acrylate rubber-modified SAN copolymer.
ASA is a terpolymer that can be produced by either
a reaction process or by a graft process. ASA is
usually made by introducing a grafted acrylic ester
elastomer during the copolymerization of styrene
and acrylonitrile, known as SAN. SAN is described
later in this chapter. The finely divided elastomer
powder is uniformly distributed in and grafted to
the SAN molecular chains. The outstanding
43
44 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.1 Chemical structure of styrene.

Figure 2.2 Chemical structure of polystyrene.

Figure 2.4 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C of

Styrolution® PS 143 E—medium strength, easy
flowing general purpose grade polystyrene resin.

Figure 2.3 The structure of HIPS.

Figure 2.5 Creep modulus versus time at 23°C of Styrolution® PS 143 E—medium strength, easy flowing
general purpose grade polystyrene resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS
Figure 2.6 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C of
Styrolution® PS 454C—impact-resistant polystyrene
resin (PS).
Figure 2.7 Isochronous stress strain at 40°C of
Styrolution® PS 454C—impact-resistant polystyrene
resin (PS).
weatherability of ASA is due to the acrylic ester
elastomer. ASA polymers are amorphous plastics,
which have mechanical properties similar to those
of the ABS resins described in Section 2.5.
However, the ASA properties are far less affected
by outdoor weathering.
45
Figure 2.8 Isochronous stress strain at 60°C of
Styrolution® PS 454C—impact-resistant polystyrene
resin (PS).
ASA resins are available in natural, off-white,
and a broad range of standard and custom-matched
colors. ASA resins can be compounded with other
polymers to make alloys and compounds that bene-
fit from ASA’s weather resistance.
Manufacturers and trade names: BASF
Luran® S.
Applications and uses: automotive components,
electrical equipment subjected to high temperatures,
parabolic reflectors, solar energy systems, move-
ment sensors, surfboards, golf cars, lawn and gar-
den equipment, sporting goods, automotive exterior
parts, safety helmets, and building materials.
Data for Styrolution® ASA plastics are found in
Figures 2.18 2.31.
2.3 Styrene Acrylonitrile
Styrene and acrylonitrile monomers can be co-
polymerized to form a random, amorphous copoly-
mer that has good weatherability, stress crack
resistance, and barrier properties. The copolymer is
called styrene acrylonitrile or SAN. The SAN
copolymer generally contains 70 80% styrene and
20 30% acrylonitrile. It is a simple random copol-
ymer. This monomer combination provides higher
strength, rigidity, and chemical resistance than
46 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.9 Creep modulus at 23°C of Styrolution® PS 454C—impact-resistant polystyrene resin (PS).

Figure 2.10 Creep modulus at 40°C of Styrolution® PS 454C—impact-resistant polystyrene resin (PS).
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 47

Figure 2.11 Creep modulus at 60°C of Styrolution® PS 454C—impact-resistant polystyrene resin (PS).

Figure 2.12 Creep curves of Styrolution® PS 168N at 20°C—high-molecular-weight, heat-resistant polystyrene

resin (PS) [1].
48 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.13 Creep rupture curves of Styrolution® PS 456F at various temperatures—heat-resistant, impact-
resistant polystyrene resin (PS) [1].

Figure 2.14 Creep curves of high-impact Styrolution® polystyrene resins at 20°C [1].
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 49

Figure 2.15 Creep rupture curves of several general purpose Styrolution® PS polystyrene resins [1].

Figure 2.16 Creep rupture curves in olive oil/oleic acid (1:1 volume blend) as a function of melting point of
Styrolution® PS HIPS resins [2].
50 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.17 Creep rupture curves in stress cracking testing by various agents of Styrolution® PS HIPS
resins [2].

Figure 2.18 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C of Figure 2.19 Isochronous stress strain at 40°C of
Styrolution® Luran® S 757R—rigid, high hardness Styrolution® Luran® S 757R—rigid, high hardness
ASA resin. ASA resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 51

Figure 2.20 Isochronous stress strain at 60°C of Figure 2.21 Isochronous stress strain at 80°C of
Styrolution® Luran® S 757R—rigid, high hardness Styrolution® Luran® S 757R—rigid, high hardness
ASA resin. ASA resin.

Figure 2.22 Creep modulus versus time at 23°C of Styrolution® Luran® S 757R—rigid, high hardness
ASA resin.
52 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.23 Creep modulus versus time at 40°C of Styrolution® Luran® S 757R—rigid, high hardness
ASA resin.

Figure 2.24 Creep modulus versus time at 60°C of Styrolution® Luran® S 757R—rigid, high hardness
ASA resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 53

Figure 2.25 Creep modulus versus time at 80°C of Styrolution® Luran® S 757R—rigid, high hardness
ASA resin.

Figure 2.26 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C of Figure 2.27 Isochronous stress strain at 60°C of
Styrolution® Luran® S 778T—general purpose, Styrolution® Luran® S 778T—general purpose,
toughened, high heat grade ASA resin [3]. toughened, high heat grade ASA resin [3].
54 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.28 Creep modulus versus time at 23°C of Styrolution® Luran® S 778T—general purpose, toughened,
high heat grade ASA resin.

Figure 2.29 Creep modulus versus time at 60°C of Styrolution® Luran® S 778T—general purpose, toughened,
high heat grade ASA resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 55

polystyrene, but it is not quite as clear as crystal

polystyrene and its appearance tends to yellow
more quickly. The general structure is shown in
Figure 2.32.
SAN is used for household goods and tableware,
in cosmetics packaging, sanitary and toiletry

Figure 2.32 Chemical structure of SAN.

articles as well as for writing materials and office

supplies.
Manufacturers and trade names: Styrolution®
Luran®, Dow Chemical TYRIL Resins, SABIC
Innovative Plastics Thermocomp BF.
Applications and uses: Household—mixing
bowls, electric mixers, refrigerator inserts, table-
ware, vacuum flask casings, food storage contain-
ers, toiletries, cosmetics packaging, writing
implements, and industrial batteries.
Data for polystyrene plastics are found in
Figures 2.33 2.53.

Figure 2.30 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C and

50% relative humidity of Styrolution® Luran® S 2.3.1 Styrolution® Luran® SAN
778T—toughened, elastomer-modified ASA resin. Resins

Figure 2.31 Isochronous stress strain at 70°C of Figure 2.33 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C
Styrolution® Luran® S 778T—toughened, elastomer- Styrolution® Luran® 378P—easy flow, enhanced
modified ASA resin. chemical-resistant SAN resin.
56 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.34 Isochronous stress strain at 40°C Figure 2.35 Isochronous stress strain at 60°C
Styrolution® Luran® 378P—easy flow, enhanced Styrolution® Luran® 378P—easy flow, enhanced
chemical-resistant SAN resin. chemical-resistant SAN resin.

Figure 2.36 Isochronous stress strain at 80°C Styrolution® Luran® 378P—easy flow, enhanced chemical-
resistant SAN resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 57

Figure 2.37 Creep modulus versus time at 23°C Styrolution® Luran® 378P—easy flow, enhanced chemical-
resistant SAN resin.

Figure 2.38 Creep modulus versus time at 40°C Styrolution® Luran® 378P—easy flow, enhanced chemical-
resistant SAN resin.
58 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.39 Creep modulus versus time at 60°C Styrolution® Luran® 378P—easy flow, enhanced chemical-
resistant SAN resin.

Figure 2.40 Creep modulus versus time at 80°C Styrolution® Luran® 378P—easy flow, enhanced chemical-
resistant SAN resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 59

Figure 2.41 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C Figure 2.43 Isochronous stress strain at 60°C
Styrolution® Luran® 378P G7—35% glass fiber Styrolution® Luran® 378P G7—35% glass fiber
filled, enhanced chemical-resistant SAN resin. filled, enhanced chemical-resistant SAN resin.

Figure 2.42 Isochronous stress strain at 40°C Figure 2.44 Isochronous stress strain at 80°C
Styrolution® Luran® 378P G7—35% glass fiber Styrolution® Luran® 378P G7—35% glass fiber
filled, enhanced chemical-resistant SAN resin. filled, enhanced chemical-resistant SAN resin.
60 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.45 Creep modulus versus time at 23°C Styrolution® Luran® 378P G7—35% glass fiber filled,
enhanced chemical-resistant SAN resin.

Figure 2.46 Creep modulus versus time at 40°C Styrolution® Luran® 378P G7—35% glass fiber filled,
enhanced chemical-resistant SAN resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 61

Figure 2.47 Creep modulus versus time at 60°C Styrolution® Luran® 378P G7—35% glass fiber filled,
enhanced chemical-resistant SAN resin.

Figure 2.48 Creep modulus versus time at 80°C Styrolution® Luran® 378P G7—35% glass fiber filled,
enhanced chemical-resistant SAN resin.
62 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.49 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C Styrolution® Luran® 388S—high-strength, enhanced chemical-
resistant SAN resin [4].

Figure 2.50 Tensile creep strength versus time of several Styrolution® Luran® SAN grades at 23°C [4].
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 63

Figure 2.51 Stress cracking resistance of several Styrolution® Luran® SAN grades in a 1:1 mixture of olive oil
and oleic acid at 23°C [4].

2.3.2 SABIC Innovative Plastics Thermocomp SAN grades

Figure 2.52 Tensile creep strain versus time of several SABIC Innovative Plastics Thermocomp SAN grades
at 23°C.
64 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER
Figure 2.53 Tensile creep strain versus time at 23°C of several SABIC Innovative Plastics Thermocomp BF-
1004 20% glass fiber filled SAN resin.
2.4 Acrylonitrile Butadiene
Styrene
ABS is a common thermoplastic used to make
light, rigid, molded products such as pipe, automo-
tive body parts, wheel covers, enclosures, and pro-
tective head gear. It is also used in 3D printing
technology.
SAN copolymers have been available since the
1940s and while its increased toughness over sty-
rene made it suitable for many applications, its lim-
itations led to the introduction of a rubber,
butadiene, as a third monomer and hence was born
the range of materials popularly referred to as ABS
plastics. These became available in the 1950s and
the availability of these copolymers and ease of
processing has led ABS to become one of the most
popular of the engineering polymers.
ABS is a polymer made by copolymerizing
styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of poly-
butadiene. The proportions of the ingredients
can range from 15% to 35% acrylonitrile, 5% to
TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS
30% butadiene, and 40% to 60% styrene. It
can be found as a graft copolymer, in which
styrene acrylonitrile polymer is formed in
a polymerization system in the presence
of polybutadiene rubber latex; the final
product is a complex mixture consisting of
styrene acrylonitrile copolymer, a graft polymer
of styrene acrylonitrile and polybutadiene and
some unchanged polybutadiene rubber. This is
shown in Figure 2.54.
The nitrile (aCRN) groups from neighboring
chains, being polar (see Section 1.4.4), attract each
other and hold the chains together, making ABS
stronger than pure polystyrene.
The styrene gives the plastic a shiny, impervious
surface. The butadiene, a rubbery substance, pro-
vides resilience even at low temperatures.
There are, therefore, many variables to the
process besides the different positions of the start-
ing materials, so this technique is capable of pro-
ducing polymers with a much wider range of
properties [5].
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS
Figure 2.54 Polymerization of ABS.
ABS can also be made by blending, the
technique involved mechanical blending by
mixing a butadiene acrylonitrile rubber with
styrene acrylonitrile resins, the process is being
carried out under such conditions that the two poly-
mers underwent some grafting. This technique is
rather limited and has been largely suppressed by
chemical process.
The advantage of ABS is that it combines the
strength and rigidity of the acrylonitrile and sty-
rene polymers with the toughness of the polybuta-
diene rubber. The most remarkable mechanical
properties of ABS are resistance and toughness. A
variety of modifications can be made to improve
impact resistance, toughness, and heat resistance.
For example, the impact resistance can be
improved by increasing the proportions of polybu-
tadiene in relation to styrene and acrylonitrile,
although this causes changes in other properties.
Impact resistance does not fall off rapidly at lower
temperatures. Stability under load is excellent with
limited loads. Even though ABS plastics are used
largely for mechanical purposes, they also have
good electrical properties that are fairly constant
over a wide range of frequencies. These properties
are little affected by temperature and atmospheric
humidity in the acceptable operating range of tem-
peratures [6]. The final properties will be
65
influenced to some extent by the conditions under
which the material is processed to the final prod-
uct; for example, molding at a high temperature
improves the gloss and heat resistance of the prod-
uct whereas the highest impact resistance and
strength are obtained by molding at low
temperature.
ABS polymers are resistant to aqueous acids,
alkalis, concentrated hydrochloric and phosphoric
acids, alcohols and animal, vegetable and mineral
oils, but they swell when exposed to glacial acetic
acid, carbon tetrachloride and aromatic hydrocar-
bons, and are attacked by concentrated sulfuric and
nitric acids. They are soluble in esters, ketones, and
ethylene dichloride. The aging characteristics of the
polymers are largely influenced by the polybutadi-
ene content, and it is normal to include antioxidants
in the composition.
Grades available
There are at least 1700 ABS available. Grades
have been developed specifically to meet the
requirements of major customers. ABS is readily
modified both by the addition of additives and by
variation of the ratio of the three monomers acrylo-
nitrile, butadiene, and styrene: hence grades avail-
able include high and medium impact, high heat
resistance, and electroplatable. Fiber reinforcement
can be incorporated to increase stiffness and dimen-
sional stability. ABS is readily blended or alloyed
with other polymers further increasing the range of
properties available. Fire retardancy may be
obtained either by the inclusion of fire retardant
additives or by blending with PVC. The natural
ABS is an opaque ivory color and is readily colored
with pigments or dyes. Transparent grades are also
available.
Manufacturers and trade names include:
SABIC Innovative Polymers Cycolac®; INEOS
Lustran® and Novodur®; Perrite Ronfalin®, Dow
Magnum and BASF AG Terulan®.
Applications and uses include: medical devices,
cosmetics, houseware, automobiles, business
equipment, cabinets and casings, baths, shower
trays, pipes, boat hulls and vehicle components, 3D
printing.
Data for ABS plastics are found in
Figures 2.55 2.71.
66 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

2.4.1 INEOS Lustran® ABS Resins

Figure 2.55 Creep strain versus time at 23°C of INEOS Lustran® ABS 446 unfilled, high-impact modified
ABS resin.

Figure 2.56 Creep strain versus time at 40°C of INEOS Lustran® ABS 446 unfilled, high-impact modified
ABS resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 67

Figure 2.57 Creep strain versus time at 60°C of INEOS Lustran® ABS 446 unfilled, high-impact modified
ABS resin.

Figure 2.58 Creep strain versus time at 80°C of INEOS Lustran® ABS 446 unfilled, high-impact modified
ABS resin.
68 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

2.4.2 Toray Resin Company Toyolac® ABS Resins

Figure 2.59 Creep strain versus time at 23°C of Toray Resin Company Toyolac® 100 high-impact, general
purpose ABS resin [7].

Figure 2.60 Creep strain versus time at 23°C and various stress of Toray Resin Company Toyolac® 100
high-impact, general purpose ABS resin [7].
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 69

Figure 2.61 Creep strain versus time at 23°C and 15 MPa tensile stress of Toray Resin Company Toyolac®
100 and 500 ABS resins [7].

Figure 2.62 Creep strain versus time at 23°C and at a stress of 9.8 MPa of several Toray Resin Company
Toyolac® antistatic ABS resins.
70 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

2.4.3 SABIC Innovative Plastics Cycolac ABS Resins

Figure 2.63 Creep strain versus time at 23°C of SABIC Innovative Plastics Cycolac G360—high heat, high-
impact ABS resin.

Figure 2.64 Creep strain versus time at 23°C of SABIC Innovative Plastics Cycolac X37 high heat, injection
molding ABS resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 71

Figure 2.65 Creep rupture versus time at 23°C and at a stress of 9.8 MPa of SABIC Innovative Plastics
Cycolac ABS resin.

2.4.4 Styron Magnumt ABS Resins

Figure 2.66 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C of Figure 2.67 Isochronous stress strain at 50°C of
Styron Magnumt 1040 high-impact ABS resin. Styron Magnumt 1040 high-impact ABS resin.
72 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.68 Isochronous stress strain at 80°C of Styron Magnumt 1040 high-impact ABS resin.

Figure 2.69 Creep modulus versus time at 23°C of Styron Magnumt 1040 high-impact ABS resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 73

Figure 2.70 Creep modulus versus time at 50°C of Styron Magnumt 1040 high-impact ABS resin.

Figure 2.71 Creep modulus versus time at 80°C of Styron Magnumt 1040 high-impact ABS resin.
74 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

2.5 Methyl methacrylate Applications and end uses: These include lami-
nates for skis and snowboards, aquarium accesso-
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
ries, hobby model construction, musical
Methacrylate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene instruments such as recorders as well as fashion
(MABS) copolymer is similar to ABS except for accessories such as watches; writing and typing
the addition of an additional monomer, usually equipment, mobile phones, transparent covers for
methyl methacrylate. MABS is an amorphous, PCs and copiers; cosmetics packaging.
clear, transparent material with thermal and Data for MABS plastics are found in
mechanical properties like ABS. The transparency Figures 2.72 2.75.
is achieved by matching the refractive indices of the
matrix resin (the transparent acrylate acrylonitrile
styrene polymer) with the polybutadiene rubber
impact modifier. MABS has the highest impact resis-
tance of all the styrenic plastics. Sometimes called
transparent ABS. Often used as a modifier in other
plastics.
Key properties of MABS are excellent transpar-
ency, high-impact strength, and good chemical
resistance.

• Excellent transparency
• High-impact strength
• Good mechanical strength and rigidity
• High heat resistance
• Good resistance to chemicals and stress cracking
• Good processability.
Figure 2.73 Isochronous stress strain at 40°C of
Manufacturers and trade names: Styrolution Styrolution® Terlux® 2802 TR.
Terlux®, Samsung Stare®.

Figure 2.72 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C of Figure 2.74 Isochronous stress strain at 60°C of
Styrolution® Terlux® 2802 TR. Styrolution® Terlux® 2802 TR.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS
Figure 2.75 Creep modulus versus time at 60°C of Styrolution® Terlux® 2802 TR.
2.6 Styrene Maleic Anhydride
The copolymerization of styrene with maleic
anhydride creates a copolymer styrene maleic anhy-
dride (SMA). This reaction is shown in Figure 2.76.
SMA has a higher glass transition temperature than
polystyrene and is chemically reactive with certain
functional groups. Thus, SMA polymers are often
used in blends or composites where interaction or
reaction of the maleic anhydride provides for desir-
able interfacial effects. The anhydride reaction with
primary amines is particularly potent.
Properties of SMA include:
• Outstanding structural properties and dimen-
sional stability
• Proven heat and long-term thermal aging
resistance
• Exceptional urethane-foam adhesion
• Processing ease for injection molding and
extrusion applications
• Ease of recycling
• Outstanding thin-wall capability
75
• Consistent property performance: 240°C to
85°C
• Excellent chemical resistance to most stamp-
ing or screw oils
• Low creep—fastener torque remains high over
the life of the part
• High modulus—instrument panels (IPs) have a
high natural frequency rating and, therefore,
low noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).
• Responds well to joining technologies, such as
chemical bonding, ultrasonic welding, vibra-
tion welding, and heat staking
• Excellent processability—flows easily in the
mold, does not require drying and achieves
short cycle times with fewer drops than com-
petitive materials.
Manufacturers and trade names: SABIC
Innovative Plastics Prevex®, Nova Chemicals
Dylark® (discontinued), Bayer Cadon®, Ineos
Lustran®.
Applications and uses: automotive applications,
such as soft IPs, structural consoles, roof-mounted
76 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER
Figure 2.76 The production of SMA.
Figure 2.77 Flexural creep strain versus time at 82°C and 3.45 MPa load of NOVA Chemicals Dylark®
480P16—16% glass fiber filled, high heat SMA resin [8].
LCD video supports, interior trim and audio
components.
Data for SMA plastics are found in
Figures 2.77 2.80.
2.7 Styrenic Block Copolymers
Styrenic butadiene block copolymer (SBC) is a
commercially important thermoplastic elastomer.
The polymer is made of three separate polymeric
blocks (see Section 1.1.2 for an explanation of
block copolymers). At one end is a hard
TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS
polystyrene block, in the middle a long polybutadi-
ene (or other elastomeric) block, followed by a sec-
ond hard block of polystyrene. These blocks are
immiscible, so they form discrete domains of poly-
styrene within a polybutadiene matrix. The separate
domains are chemically connected. This is shown
in Figure 2.81, and one might notice that this looks
a lot like HIPS, except that the continuous phase
and hard discrete phase are switched in SBC and
the domains are connected. One additional property
of interest is that some SBCs blend well with gen-
eral purpose polystyrene, allowing customization of
properties.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 77

Figure 2.78 Tensile creep strain versus stress at 23°C of NOVA Chemicals Dylark® 480P16—16% glass fiber
filled, high heat SMA resin [8].

Figure 2.79 Tensile creep strain versus time at 23°C and various stress levels of NOVA Chemicals Dylark®
480P16—16% glass fiber filled, high heat SMA resin [8].
78 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.80 Creep strain versus stress at 23°C of other Dylark® SMA resins.

Polybutadiene phase Polysytyrene phase

Figure 2.81 The “microscopic” structure of SBC.

SBCs are crystal clear, combining high transpar-

ency with impact strength. They are often blended
or mixed with polystyrene.
Manufacturers and trade names: Chevron
Phillips Chemical Company K-Resin®, BASF
Styrolux®, Kraton Polymers Kratont.
Applications and end uses: clear disposable
drinking cups, lids, plates, deli containers, high-
impact blow molded bottles, candy twist wrap,
shrink sleeves and overwrap, medical devices,
Figure 2.82 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C of
Styrolution® Styrolux® 656C—high flow SBC resin.
medical trays, blister packaging, appliances, refrig-
erator crisper trays, flashlight lenses, overcaps, dis-
plays, clothes hangers, toys.
Data for SBC are found in Figures 2.82 2.87.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS
Figure 2.83 Isochronous stress strain at 40°C of
Styrolution® Styrolux® 656C—high flow SBC resin.
Figure 2.85 Creep modulus versus time at 23°C of Styrolution® Styrolux® 656C—high flow SBC resin.
2.8 Styrenic Blends and Alloys
While the number of styrenic blends might seem
limitless, compatibility and morphology limit blend
types. Styrenic blends are many but most are
79
Figure 2.84 Isochronous stress strain at 60°C of
Styrolution® Styrolux® 656C—high flow SBC resin.
limited to only a couple of types. The most impor-
tant blend is ABS and polycarbonate (PC). Next in
importance is ABS and polyamide (or nylon, PA).
Polystyrene and polyethylene are often used in
expandable foams. Polystyrene and polyphenylene
80 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.86 Creep modulus versus time at 40°C of Styrolution® Styrolux® 656C—high flow SBC resin.

Figure 2.87 Creep modulus versus time at 60°C of Styrolution® Styrolux® 656C—high flow SBC resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 81

ether (PPE or PPO) are commercially important

blends, which are covered in a later chapter. The
other classes of the styrenic blends are not major
product lines but can be very important in some
applications.
Manufacturers and trade names: Bayer
MaterialScience Bayblend®, SABIC Innovative
Plastics Cycoloy®, Styrolution Terblend®,
LANXESS Triax®.
Applications and uses: automotive applications
including center consoles, ventilation nozzles, gear-
shifts, airbag covers, radio covers, glove boxes,
sporting equipment including skis, ski bindings,
snowboards, roller-blader’s protective gear, tools
including compass saws, power drills, planers, lawn
mowers, electrical equipment housings such as
computers or cellular phones.
Data for styrenic blend plastics are found in
Figures 2.88 2.124. Figure 2.89 Isochronous stress strain at 40°C of
Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T85—general
purpose injection molding ABS/PC resin.
2.8.1 Bayer MaterialScience AG
Styrenic Blends and Alloys

Figure 2.88 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C of Figure 2.90 Isochronous stress strain at 60°C of
Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T85—general Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T85—general
purpose injection molding ABS/PC resin. purpose injection molding ABS/PC resin.
82 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.91 Isochronous stress strain at 80°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T85—general
purpose injection molding ABS/PC resin.

Figure 2.92 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 23°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend®
T85—general purpose injection molding ABS/PC resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 83

Figure 2.93 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 40°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend®
T85—general purpose injection molding ABS/PC resin.

Figure 2.94 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 60°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend®
T85—general purpose injection molding ABS/PC resin.
84 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.95 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 80°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend®
T85—general purpose injection molding ABS/PC resin.

Figure 2.96 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C of Figure 2.97 Isochronous stress strain at 40°C of
Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-2N— Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-2N—
10% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin. 10% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 85

Figure 2.98 Isochronous stress strain at 60°C of Figure 2.99 Isochronous stress strain at 90°C of
Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-2N— Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-2N—
10% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin. 10% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.

Figure 2.100 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 23°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-2N—
10% Glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.
86 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.101 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 40°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-2N—
10% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.

Figure 2.102 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 60°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-2N—
10% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 87

Figure 2.103 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 90°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-2N—
10% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.

Figure 2.104 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C of Figure 2.105 Isochronous stress strain at 40°C of
Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-4N— Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-4N—
20% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin. 20% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.
88 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.106 Isochronous stress strain at 60°C of Figure 2.107 Isochronous stress strain at 90°C of
Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-4N— Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-4N—
20% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin. 20% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.

Figure 2.108 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 23°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-4N—
20% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 89

Figure 2.109 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 40°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-4N—
20% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.

Figure 2.110 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 60°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-4N—
20% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.
90 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.111 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 90°C of Bayer MaterialScience AG Bayblend® T88-4N—
20% glass fiber filled ABS/PC resin.

2.8.2 Styrolution® Styrenic Blends and Alloys

Figure 2.112 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C Figure 2.113 Isochronous stress strain at 40°C of
and 50% relative humidity of Styrolution® Terblend® Styrolution® Terblend® N NM-19—UV stabilized
N NM-19—UV stabilized ABS/PA6 resin. ABS/PA6 resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 91

Figure 2.114 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 23°C and 25% relative humidity of Styrolution® Terblend®
N NM-19—UV stabilized ABS/PA6 resin.

Figure 2.115 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 60°C of Styrolution® Terblend® N NM-19—UV stabilized
ABS/PA6 resin.
92 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

Figure 2.116 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C Figure 2.117 Isochronous stress strain at 60°C
and 25% relative humidity of Styrolution® Terblend® and of Styrolution® Terblend® N NG-02—8% glass
N NG-02—8% glass fiber filled ABS/PA6 resin. fiber filled ABS/PA6 resin.

Figure 2.118 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 23°C and 25% relative humidity of Styrolution® Terblend®
N NG-02—8% glass fiber filled ABS/PA6 resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS 93

Figure 2.119 Tensile creep modulus versus time at 60°C of Styrolution® Terblend® N NG-02—8% glass fiber
filled ABS/PA6 resin.

Figure 2.120 Isochronous stress strain at 23°C of Figure 2.121 Isochronous stress strain at 80°C of
Styrolution® Luran® S KR 2861-1—high heat ASA/ Styrolution® Luran® S KR 2861-1—high heat ASA/
PC resin. PC resin.
94 THE EFFECT OF CREEP AND OTHER TIME RELATED FACTORS ON PLASTICS AND ELASTOMERS

2.8.3 SABIC Innovative Plastics Styrenic Blends and Alloys

Figure 2.122 Tensile creep strain versus time at 23°C of SABIC Innovative Plastics Cycoloyt C1000—high
flow, low heat ABS/PC resin.

Figure 2.123 Tensile creep strain versus time at 60°C of SABIC Innovative Plastics Cycoloyt C1000—high
flow, low heat ABS/PC resin.
2: STYRENIC PLASTICS
Figure 2.124 Tensile creep strain versus time at 90°C of SABIC Innovative Plastics Cycoloyt C1000—high
flow, low heat ABS/PC resin.
References
[1] Available from: www.packaging.basf.com
(accessed 19/7/14).
[2] Polystyrene and Styrolux®, General-purpose
polystyrene (GPPS), High-impact polystyrene
(HIPS), Styrene/butadien-block copolymer (S/
B/S), BASF; 2011.
[3] Luran® S (ASA and ASA 1 PC)—Properties,
processing, general informations Brochure,
BASF; 2010.
[4] Luran (SAN)—Brochure, BASF; 2011.
95
[5] Brighton CA, Pritchard G, Skinner GA. Styrene
polymers: technology and environmental
aspects. London: Applied Science Publishers;
1979. p. 70, 72.
[6] Harper CA. Handbook of plastic and elasto-
mers. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1975.
p. 1 3, 1 62, 2 42, 3 1.
[7] ABS resin “TOYOLAC” technical guide,
Toray Plastics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bnd., 2010.
[8] Section 1: Introduction to Dylark engineering
resins, Nova Chemicals, 2005.