March 21, 2007

Lustran Polymers at the VDI Conference on “Plastics in Automotive Engineering 2007” in Mannheim

At the VDI Conference “Plastics in Automotive Engineering 2007” in Mannheim, the Lustran Polymers business unit of LANXESS will be showcasing his capabilities as proficient development partner for the international automotive industry and its suppliers.

The Lustran Polymers business unit is among the world’s largest producers of ABS and SAN plastics with the Lustran® and Novodur® brands. The BU’s portfolio of products also includes Triax® Polyamide + ABS blends. One objective of Lustran Polymers in Mannheim is to demonstrate the business unit’s capabilities as a supplier of choice for a broad spectrum of customer-specific pre-colored ABS materials and specialties. The business unit is also presenting the new ABS line Lustran® Ultra with material properties superior to those of common ABS plastics. Lustran® Ultra is a recognized economical alternative to thermoplastics such as polycarbonate + ABS blends.

One example is Lustran® Ultra 4115, which is used for the rear trim molding cover in the new Opel Astra TwinTop. In this application, the material was preferred over a blend of polycarbonate and polybutylene terephthalate thanks to its very good processing properties.

Triax® KU 2-3050 is the material of choice for car interior parts requiring a matt finish. The polyamide + ABS blend yields injection-molded parts with a high-grade matt finish and therefore obviates the need to apply a subsequent surface coating. It is a particularly economical alternative to blends of polycarbonate + ABS.

Another highlight from Lustran Polymers is mineral-reinforced Triax® DP 3157 successfully used for the fenders of the new BMW 3 Series Coupé. With its high heat deflection temperature of up to 200 °C, high stiffness, reduced water absorption and low coefficient of thermal expansion, the polyamide + ABS blend satisfies the complex requirements for the on-line painting of plastic automotive body parts.