VECTOR® styrenic block polymers (SBC’s) are a growing family of thermoplastic elastomers and flexible thermoplastic resins manufactured by Dexco Polymers LP.  Dexco has developed proprietary polymer synthesis technology that provides unprecedented control of block copolymer composition and properties.  Dexco Polymers LP offers very stable, narrow molecular weight styrenic block copolymers produced sequentially in an anionic polymerization process.  These pure (virtually 100%) triblock and quad-block polymers contain no residual diblock and have excellent elastic properties.

A series of linear styrenic block copolymers, specifically, SIS (Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene), SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) and SIBS (Styrene-Isoprene-Butadiene-Styrene) polymers have been developed for use by producers and compounders of olefinic and styrenic thermoplastics, engineering resins, thermosets, blends/alloys and film producers.  Offered as VECTOR® styrenic block copolymers, they are used as additives to enhance the toughness, impact strength of these plastics at ambient and low temperature and in the production of elastomeric film and sheet products.

Produced via a proprietary “sequential” sequential polymerization process, the result is the production of pure-block polymers that are virtually free of residual diblock polymer.  Since SIS, SBS, and SIBS are virtually diblock-free, they also extend the higher temperature performance range of the modified base resin compared to conventionally polymerized SBC’s that contain residual diblock.  In addition, these pure-block polymers are preferred SBC’s for use in elastomeric films for personal care and hygiene applications.

Certain grades such as those designated as SBS types have been specially designed for use as based feedstocks for the manufacture of more advanced engineering resins, while others are tailored to overcome the deleterious effects of additives such as flame retardants.  Also, the high styrene grades, both SIS and SBS, can be used to enhance compatibility between dissimilar plastics, such as styrenic and olefinic polymers, creating novel and unique alloys and blends exhibiting the best features of both.  The superior heat resistance of these halide-free VECTOR SBC’s is readily demonstrated in improved color stability of the base resin, and is especially evident after multiple-heat exposures of in-plant recycle.

Recycling of plastics is another focus of product development activities.  For homogeneous recovered plastics, the addition of VECTOR styrenic block copolymer can renew properties, resulting in near-virgin product performance.

For more information about this application please contact:

Bill Grigar
(877) 251-0580 Toll Free
(281) 754-5800 Work
(281) 754-5801 Fax
wjgrigar@dow.com