Mitsubishi Rayon has recently launched a new series
of modified acrylic sheet moulding thermoset compound (SMC) as an
alternative to Polyesters. These new products have better weatherability,
hot water resistance and excellent gloss retention.
These products can find applications in bathtubs, automotive and
boat parts and road barriers. They tend to provide an excellent
marble effect. The new SMC are filled with 30% glass fibers along
with special compatibilizers for modified Acrylics to achieve uniform
bonding that exhibits uniform shrinkage.
The new products are considered to be more expensive compared to
Polyesters. However, the longer lifetime could offset the higher
cost. These products retain mechanical properties over a long exposure
to weathering. They also withstand hot water better. The colour
change in the hot water is significantly lower compared to Polyester
based SMC.
(Source: Modern Plastics
International, April 2001) |
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