SABIC launched LNP™ ELCRES™ CXL to address high chemical exposures in the mobility, electronics, industrial and infrastructure sectors

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) launched LNP™ ELCRES™ CXL polycarbonate copolymer resins to address the high chemical exposure issues in the fields of mobility, electronics, industry and infrastructure.

The CEO of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation called for global cooperation to support sustainable development at the annual forum of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA).

• Saudi Basic Industries Corporation is introducing advanced polycarbonate copolymer resins with excellent chemical resistance, which are targeted at applications in the mobility, electronics, industry and infrastructure sectors.

• The new LNP™ ELCRES™ CXL copolymer resins can help extend the service life of components to support sustainable development, protect the brand reputation of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and maintain product value.

• In addition, there are also bio-renewable versions of these new materials certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS), supplied under the LNP™ ELCRIN™ CXL brand and being part of SABIC's TRUCIRCLE™ program.

"Several trends are leading to more serious chemical exposure problems for plastic parts," said Maureen MacDonald-Stein, Director of Portfolio Strategy and Marketing of SABIC's Polymers Specialties business. "After the pandemic, concerns about cleanliness have continued to rise, prompting consumers to frequently disinfect various surfaces from smartphone screens to electric vehicle charger handles. The growing popularity of wearable devices and the frequent use of smartphones have made electronic products constantly come into contact with skin oils, lotions and other personal care products. The new LNP ELCRES™ CXL materials can help maintain the performance and aesthetics of components even when chemicals become more corrosive and exposure intensifies."

Chemical-resistant polycarbonate copolymers for multiple industries

The new LNP ELCRES CXL copolymer resins can exhibit remarkable chemical resistance, surpassing the performance of traditional amorphous materials such as polycarbonate (PC) resins and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blends. SABIC's internal tests have shown that the LNP ELCRES CXL copolymer resins are highly resistant to various chemicals commonly found in the mobility, industrial, infrastructure and electronics sectors. Tests were conducted on representative chemicals in the mobility and infrastructure fields, including gasoline, antifreeze, caustic soda (5% solution) and many related chemicals.

For industrial applications, tests on typical chemical exposures covered tar remover, brake fluid and many other substances. In cases where consumers interact with mobility, industrial and infrastructure equipment, the LNP ELCRES CXL copolymer resins can provide stronger chemical resistance to the components in hand creams, sunscreens, insect repellents, cleaning solutions and hand sanitizers.

SABIC's new CXL product line offers a wide range of products, including opaque and transparent non-flame retardant (FR) grades, opaque thin-wall flame retardant grades and glass fiber reinforced options. These materials also have value-added features, such as non-brominated/non-chlorinated flame retardancy at thin gauges, low-temperature ductility (down to -60 °C), high flow for easy processing and good colorability to meet aesthetic requirements. They can meet the outdoor suitability requirements under UL 746 °C, including ultraviolet (UV) and water immersion requirements (f1 rating).

To help achieve carbon neutrality, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation provides bio-renewable versions of these new materials certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS), supplied under the LNP ELCRIN™ CXL brand. They use bio-based alternative feedstocks with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional feedstocks. These bio-based grades can reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to traditional counterparts while maintaining the same performance. These grades are new additions to the company's TRUCIRCLE™ program, which encompasses products and services aimed at helping companies around the world achieve their sustainable development goals.

"Our LNP ELCRES CXL copolymer resins can help manufacturers and brands cope with the intensified risks of performance and aesthetics degradation caused by the wider use of chemicals," said Scott Fisher, General Manager of Technology of SABIC's Polymers Specialties business. "Our proprietary copolymer technology can rise to the challenge of protecting applications from damage and value loss caused by these substances. By helping to extend the service life of components, the LNP ELCRES CXL materials contribute to sustainable development, brand reputation and customer satisfaction."

If you are interested in LNP™ ELCRIN™ CXL, please contact Shanghai VISA to learn more about the new LNP ELCRES CXL copolymer product line and the company's sustainable solutions.