DETROIT - BASF Corp. introduced a resin blend that combines polybutylene terephthalate and polycarbonate resins with 20 percent or 30 percent glass reinforcements for new automotive applications. BASF of Mount Olive, N.J., said the new blend costs the same as, but has a density that is 10 percent less than, glass-reinforced PBT.
The company claims the alloy also has a higher melt-flow index, which leads to faster molding times and less warping when compared with standard PBT grades.
The firm said its 20 percent glass-fiber content alloy has a density of 1.39 grams per cubic centimeter, while a standard PBT with the same glass-fiber content has a density of 1.45 grams per cubic centimeter.
BASF produces the compound, which is sold under the Ultradur S trade name, at its Wyandotte, Mich., facility.
The company is targeting its new alloy at applications in electrical power strips, light housings, electrical connectors, water pump housings, motor housings, automotive headlight frames, and other applications that require high strength, dimensional stability and high-quality surface appearances.
Separately, BASF introduced two new resin blends that combine acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymers with PC resins and are targeted at automotive interiors, mirror housings and electrical distribution boxes. These blends are sold under the Terblend S trade name.
For both its Ultradur S and Terblend S products, BASF is purchasing polycarbonate from an unidentified manufacturer.
