Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA)

Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate is the predecessor of ABS (Acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene). Rigid transparent material, resistant to thermal shock and has a good chemical resistance. Developed to create similar material as ABS but superior in terms of weather resistance.

History

ASA Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate was first introduced to the market by BASF in around 1970 as Luran® S, based on patents from the 1960s (3-6). Developed to create similar material as Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) but superior in terms of weather resistance. ASA polymers are produced by introducing a grafted acrylic ester elastomer during the copolymerization reaction between styrene and acrylonitrile.

References

1. http://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/polymers/SAN.aspx

2. Handbook of Engineering and Specialty Thermoplastic, Polyolefins and Styrenics