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Laestra: A New Entry's Etp's
Since the beginning of the '80's we have witnessed
a considerable slow down in the development and
in the launch of new polymers belonging to the
market segment of the socalled ETP's (Engineering
Thermoplastics Polymers; in other words the classical
Technical Thermoplastics) This market segment,
whose importance is well renown, basically comprises
the "big five", that is to say polyamides,
polycarbonates, acetals resins, modified PPO and
polyesters (PBT/PET).
The scenario of the high and thermoplastic polymers
market, that of the so called HPP (High Performances
Polymers) is quite different. In this segment,
the development of new polymers has been constant
in the last two decades.
As usual every rule has its exception. There is
a new entry among the ETP's, that is the SPS
or Syndiotactic Polystyrene. The syndiotactic
polystyrene is a semi-crystalline polymer obtained
by polymerization of the monomer (styrene) through
the use of special catalysts.
SPS was first synthesized in 1985 by Idemitsu
(Japan); today it is produced as a collaboration
between Idemitsu and Dow Chemical in a
high capacity plant in Germany.
Thanks to its particular crystalline structure,
SPS features properties that are definitely more
interesting than those of traditional polystyrene
(which as it is known has an amorphous configuration)
The most significative properties are the high
melting point, the excellent resistance to chemicals
and hydrolysis and one of the best dimensional
stability among the semi-crystalline resins. This
peculiarity derives from the fact that the density
of crystalline areas in manufactured parts products
is almost identical to that of the amorphous areas.
The low density, the good fluidity, a molding
process with no particular difficulties, all concur
in making SPS based projects economically
attractive. Moreover, it should not be forgotten
that this polymer does not need to be pre-dried.
After a thorough technical and market evaluation,
LATI has considered it appropriate to offer its
customers its own range of SPS based compounds.
The present LAESTRA range (this is how
LATI's SPS compounds are called) includes fiberglass
reinforced versions, thoughened versions, UL94-V0
self-extinguishing versions (some with "yellow
card") available in natural color or in a
wide range of shades. Alloys consisting in SPS
and other polymers have also been developed.
The markets which could be interested in the application
of the LAESTRA compounds are all quite important
and are those which today already widely use ETP
such as for example the automobile, electric and
electronic, lighting technique, appliances, telecommunications,
hydraulics, medical industries, etc.
In proper project circumstances, LAESTRA could
be an economic alternative to more expensive
polymers such as PPS, LCP and certain versions
of PPOm.
LATI has recently prepared (and included
in its web site) a technical brochure which illustrates
the peculiarities of this polymer.
 
Laestra Syndiotactic Polystyrene
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| Contact: |
email:
marketing@it.lati.com
LATI Industria Termoplastici S.p.A.
Via F. Baracca, 7 21040
Vedano Olona (VA) - Italia
Tel. : +390332409111 - Fax: +390332409307
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