In an industrial context increasingly focused on sustainability, manufacturers are looking for materials that combine performance, aesthetics and respect for the environment. Among these cutting-edge solutions, LEXAN™ SLX copolymer PC resin, developed by SABIC Specialties, stands out as an innovative technical solution in response to requirements for resistance in outdoor environments (UV, gloss) and reduced carbon footprint.
Why give up painting?
Traditional painting of exterior parts involves multiple surface treatment steps: additional production costs, complex secondary operations and limited recyclability. In response to these issues, producer SABIC Specialties has developed LEXAN™ SLX copolymer resin, which offers a solution tinted in the mass, eliminating the need for painting while maintaining a high level of finish.
High-end aesthetics and sustainable performance
Thanks to its high gloss, remarkable depth of color and ability to retain its aesthetic appeal over time, LEXAN™ SLX copolymer resin enables manufacturers to create exteriors with :
- forms a self-protective layer under the effect of UV rays, providing permanent protection against degradation
- enhanced resistance to impact, heat and chemicals
- excellent color and gloss stability
A strategic choice, particularly for automotive manufacturers and outdoor applications
- Bumper grilles and grilles
- Mirror caps
- Protective equipment, sconces
- Supports cameras, radar, lidar (thanks to adapted IR transparency)
- Various appearance parts
- Lighting
These applications benefit not only from uniform, long-lasting aesthetics, but also increased robustness in assembly and use, with excellent resistance to impact and various chemicals.
Superior performance compared to other materialscompared with PMMA/ASA or ASA/PC resins.
Tests under real-life conditions, notably in Florida, show that that after 3 years of exposure, LEXAN™ SLX copolymer resin retains its properties where other materials show discoloration, loss of gloss and embrittlement.
A response to environmental challenges
LEXAN™ SLX copolymer resin is fully in line with the circularity objectives defined by the 2023 European regulation on the sustainable design of vehicles and other applications used outdoors. ThePCR SLX version, available from 30% recycled mechanical PCR contentrecycled content, offers the same performance as versions derived from fossil fuels, while :
- Reducing the carbon footprint of parts
- Simplifying recycling by eliminating paint
- Contributing to recycled content targets (25-30% by 2030)
By choosing LEXAN™ SLX copolymer resin, manufacturers can:
- Technical parts with uncompromising aesthetics
- Reduce the total of their application
- Simplifying the production chain
- Meet regulatory regulatory requirements requirements
- Meeting quality expectations expectations
- Recyclability of parts as they are not painted
Conclusion
The future of automotive exteriors, and more broadly of appearance parts designed for outdoor use, is being written without paint. The LEXAN™ SLX range of copolymer resins is the catalyst. Combining high-level aesthetics, robustness (UV and impact resistance), durability and potential environmental benefits, this resin embodies the transition to a greener, performance industry.
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