CHICAGO (July 18, 2:40 p.m. EDT) — Styrenic resin maker and compounder Diamond Polymers Inc. recently launched its ASA-TWT product line, a transparent weatherable polymer based on acrylic styrene acrylonitrile.
It touts the new materials as more weatherable than transparent ABS, according to President Bruce Petersen. Early applications include uses in marine products and office furniture.
"The markets (for ASA-TWT) are anywhere you need clarity, weatherability and impact," Petersen said. "The technology really sets it apart from acrylic, (styrene acrylonitrile) and polystyrenes."
Diamond currently offers five grades of ASA-TWT, but expects to add a dozen more in the next year. The materials sell for $1.80-$2 per pound.
The market for the material eventually could reach 10 million to 20 million pounds per year, Petersen said.
ASA accounts for about 20 percent of sales at Akron, Ohio-based Diamond, but is one of the firm´s fastest-growing products, Petersen added.