Dow Chemical (European HQ: Dow Europe S.A., Bachtobelstr. 3, CH-8810 Horgen) has announced a new family of styrene polymers with pioneering properties. “Styron A Tech” is said to offer a variable combination of impact strength, gloss and rigidity previously unknown for HIPS. This opens up a large number of possible applications for industrial components, toys, electronics and packagings, says the world´s number one on the world polystyrene market in a recent press release. In reply to a Plasteurope.com inquiry, Product Manager, Bruno Barbet, confirmed the fundamental potential of this polymer for technical applications, where, because of its outstanding customizability, it could act as a substitute for some ABS, SAN or even PP applications. The price of the new HIPS will be slightly higher than that of conventional PS, but will basically be aligned to it. Dow is planning to integrate the patented production process at all its production sites for polystyrene throughout the world. A start will be made to launching the range in Europe with the “Styron A Tech 1120” for glossy components and coatings in June 1999. During the course of this and next year, Dow intends further launches in quick succession – both geographically speaking and from the product point of view.

Further details on the “Styron A Tech” range: PIE-No. 43790 – Data sheet on “Styron A Tech 1120”: PIE-No. 43791 – Product information sheet on “Styron A Tech 1120”: PIE-No. 43792. All documents in English.