Sabic Introduces Polycarbonates Featuring Increased PCR Content

Sabic, a global leader in innovative materials, has introduced a groundbreaking portfolio of ten LNPElcrincopolymer resins designed to not only reduce a part's carbon footprint but also deliver outstanding performance properties and aesthetics. These state-of-the-art polycarbonate-based copolymer materials contain up to an impressive 75% of certified post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. By embracing these materials, customers can elevate their sustainability efforts without compromising essential attributes. In contrast to competitive impact-modified polycarbonate (PC) resins with PCR content that might exhibit performance limitations, the new LNP copolymer resins offer consistently high performance.

These upgraded LNP copolymer resins from Sabic are poised for a wide range of applications, spanning from the housings of consumer electronic devices and chargers to enclosures for 5G base station infrastructure and industrial components like circuit breakers. In the automotive sector, they hold great potential for use in exterior grilles, pillars, and trim components.

Depending on the specific grade, these materials may provide various benefits, including low-temperature ductility, robust chemical and weathering resistance, excellent flow properties for easy processing, transparency, a broad spectrum of available colors, UV stability, and thin-wall flame retardance (FR) meeting the UL94 V-0 rating at just 0.6 mm.

The latest LNP copolymer resins mark a substantial enhancement over Sabic's prior materials that incorporated PCR content. They boast higher percentages of PCR content, ranging from 50% to 75%, all of which are certified by SCS Global Services. Additionally, these resins offer improved properties, including a more extensive color range for opaque materials, multiple transparent options, and an array of FR choices. Importantly, all FR grades within this new portfolio have been granted UL Solutions Yellow Cards, ensuring their compliance with industry standards.

Among the newly upgraded materials is the LNP Elcrin EXL9253RCC copolymer resin, which contains 50% PCR content, significantly reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining excellent mechanical performance. This opaque material delivers impressive low-temperature ductility down to -30°C, robust chemical resistance, weatherability, thin-wall FR with a UL94 V0 rating at 1.0 mm, and a wide color space.

The sustainable LNP copolymer resins effectively reduce carbon emissions when compared to virgin PC materials and can readily serve as drop-in replacements. For example, the LNP EXL1484RCC resin, a non-FR grade containing 75% PCR content, has reduced the global warming potential (GWP) by an impressive 53% compared to Sabic's virgin PC resin while offering comparable flow and mechanical properties. Another notable grade, the flame-retardant LNP EXL7284RCC resin, also containing 75% PCR content, has lowered GWP by 55% compared to virgin PC. These GWP reductions are the result of Sabic's commitment to conducting comprehensive internal life cycle assessments.

Moreover, Sabic's new LNP copolymer resin grades outperform competing modified PC grades that incorporate recycled content. While competitors may boast similar percentages of PCR material, they can only offer one or two of the enhanced properties found in Sabic's grades, according to the supplier.