SABIC LEXAN IR2240 PC Resin
SABIC LEXAN™ IR2240 is a high-performance polycarbonate (PC) resin that is specifically designed to be compliant with food contact regulations.
Physical Properties
- Specific Gravity: Tested per ASTM D792, the material’s specific gravity is 1.20 g/cc, reflecting its density relative to water.
- Density: In accordance with ISO 1183, the density measures 1.20 g/cc (0.0434 lb/in³), indicating consistent mass-to-volume properties.
- Water Absorption: At 23°C/saturated (ISO 62), the material absorbs 0.35%, showing moisture uptake under fully saturated conditions.
- Moisture Absorption at Equilibrium: Per ASTM D570, the equilibrium moisture absorption is 0.35%, suitable for assessing long-term humidity effects.
- Linear Mold Shrinkage, Flow: Using the SABIC method for 3.20 mm (0.126 in) thickness, flow-direction shrinkage ranges from 0.0050–0.0070 cm/cm (0.0050–0.0070 in/in).
- Melt Flow: ISO 1133 records 9.0 g/10 min at 300°C/1.20 kg, while ASTM D1238 shows 10.5 g/10 min under the same testing conditions.
Polymer Properties:
- Base Material: Polycarbonate (PC)
- Key Characteristics:
- Food Contact Compliance: Meets international standards for food and beverage contact, ensuring safety for consumer products.
- Good Flowability: Nominal Melt Flow Rate of ~11 g/10 min balances ease of injection molding with mechanical strength for durable parts.
- Optical Clarity: Available in transparent tints with excellent transparency and light transmission, ideal for visual inspection of contents.
- Mold Release: Includes a mold release agent to facilitate easy part removal, improving production efficiency and reducing cycle times.
- Balanced Mechanical Properties: Offers good impact strength, dimensional stability, and thermal resistance for robust, long-lasting products.
Applications:
Given these properties, LEXAN™ IR2240 is primarily used in the following applications:
- Food and Beverage Containers: It is widely used for transparent food trays, water bottles, food storage containers, and other food-contact items.
- Kitchen and Household Appliances: The resin is suitable for clear components in blenders, coffee makers, food processors, and other appliances.
- Medical and Laboratory Applications: Its food-grade compliance and transparency can also make it suitable for certain medical cups, bottles, and other disposable or reusable labware where purity is required.
- General Purpose transparent parts: It can also be used for other transparent parts in optical and consumer goods industries that do not require UV stabilization for outdoor use.