Acrylic Capstocks
Atoglas of ATOFINA introduced Solarkote® A acrylic capstock resins for co-extruded applications which takes ultraviolet protection of ABS substrates to a new level.

Typical capped ABS applications include marine, personal watercraft, recreational vehicles, lawn/garden products, building/construction, automotive accessories, outdoor enclosures, tubs, spas, and pool accessories. The rich vibrant appearance of ABS parts capped with Solarkote A acrylic resin withstand the test of time and nature's elements..

Solarkote A acrylic capstock resins improve the economics of extruder processing. Special formulations in layers as thin as six mils screen out damaging UV radiation while reducing raw materials cost.

Solarkote® H acrylic capstock resin imparts weatherability and enhanced appearance to high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) sheet via co-extrusion. A Solarkote H cap acrylic layer over HIPS provides an excellent low cost alternative to ASA and capped ABS materials for certain less demanding applications. These applications typically include tub/shower surrounds, patio furniture, building trim and shutters, lawn and garden equipment, signs. refrigerator liners, decorative panels and signs.

The thin acrylic cap layer provides protection from ultraviolet light for HIPS substrates without significantly sacrificing the impact performance of the composite sheet. A 6 to 12 mil layer maintains maximum impact resistance and imparts long lasting appearance to a finished HIPS part. This thin cap layer offers optimum economics and performance and permits rework levels up to 30%.

Co-extruded Solarkote H acrylic cap layers are inherently colorless. The cap layer screens out UV while maintaining high visible light transmission, permitting a high-end "wet" appearance. The transparency of Solarkote H acrylic resin permits full rendition of colorants for a richer, more vibrant appearance than is attainable with conventional cap and film materials.

For more information, contact Don Hone, Atoglas of ATOFINA Chemicals, Inc., 2000 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, 215-419-7148, Web: www.atofinachemicals.com.