GE Plastics launches Cytra® engineering styrenic alloys designed for low gloss unpainted automotive interiors

07-03-2002: -- Offers Impact Resistance, Dimensional Stability, Scratch & Mar Resistance --

DETROIT – March 6, 2002 Automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers in need of resins that give a more uniform, low gloss appearance now have CYTRA® resin, a new GE Plastics portfolio of engineering styrenic alloys that offer an attractive alternative to polypropylenes for unpainted automotive interior cladding and trim applications. “The automotive industry has asked for a low gloss material that gives them all the benefits of a traditional engineering thermoplastic or polypropylene with the added performance of high impact resistance and dimensional stability over a wide temperature range,” said Dean Ditmar, product manager, Engineered Styrenics Resin business. “The answer is CYTRA resin, a new family of engineering styrenic alloys with key properties: 1) high impact resistance; 2) dimensional stability; 3) chemical resistance; 4) scratch and mar resistance; and, 4) low gloss and UV resistance.

CYTRA resin, a blend of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene and polybutyelene terephthalate using proprietary compatibilization technology, gives a uniform, low gloss appearance when molded with a fine-textured surface, offering gloss reductions compared to most resins commonly used for auto interiors. Straight from the mold, CYTRA resin has a great surface finish with a very good depth of color. These resins offer automotive parts manufacturers a potential material cost savings of as much as 25 percent when compared to traditional engineering thermoplastics and polypropylenes.

CYTRA resins also fit within the acceptable range of low emissions and low odors set by the automotive industry for interiors.

CYTRA resins are characterized by excellent resistance to a variety of chemicals, including most aliphatic hydrocarbons, petrol, oils and greases, dilute acids and bases, detergents, cosmetics and body care products, and most aqueous salt solutions at ambient temperatures.