Moisture and heat combine to degrade plastics over time.

This may be surprising because typically we see plastics as impervious to water. However, on a microscopic scale, impurities in the polymer react with the water in the air. This combination then acts as a catalyst to degrade the polymer. Over time the effects of degradation weaken the polymer to the point of embrittlement and failure.

To help prevent these types of failures, Amco Polymers has demonstrated skill in formulating polymer compounds that prevent or even reverse the reaction. The result are plastic parts with many times the lifetime of unaided polymers.

One of these materials we have developed is TRISTAR® polycarbonate. This enhanced material brings together the electrical capabilities and impact resistance of polycarbonate with thermal and hydrolytic stability from blends of ABS and polyesters.

Read on to learn how TRISTAR® polycarbonate is enabling the next generation of hydro stable, thermomechanical complex molded parts.

Weathering any condition with TRISTAR® PC

Consider this electrical box, probably similar to one outside your home right now.

This box may need to provide decades of service in hot and humid conditions. A polymer with poor hydrolysis resistance will not withstand the service requirement. Not only does the box need to survive the weather conditions, but it must also maintain its electrical properties. Fortunately, Amco's TRISTAR® polycarbonates have demonstrated their toughness in the field. Additionally, through Underwriters Laboratory performance certification testing many compounds have achieved F1 and F2 UL ratings.

UL F1 and F2 rated polymers are considered suitable for outdoor use. They have been subjected to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure and water immersion at 70C for 7 days. The polymer is tested before and after exposure for flammability, mechanical impact and mechanical strength to prove their endurance. Polymers whose properties are not significantly degraded in any of these areas are considered to have passed and are suitable for outdoor use.

TRISTAR® Polycarbonate's reliable formulating and independent testing prove Amco Polymers is able to provide the solution for beating the heat and humidity.

Enhancing complex molded parts with TRISTAR® PC

TRISTAR® PC is one of the most versatile polycarbonates on the market today. It can be used in any number of applications, thanks to proprietary modification with special additives. It is designed to meet and exceed a variety of technically demanding requirements. We offer a wide range of melt flow options, as well as glass filler content, custom colors and flame ratings.

Our high impact UV stable grades perform exceptionally well in harsh environments while the flame-retardant grades offer protection from fire and smoke where needed. TRISTAR® PC can also be used in more decorative components where bright color, transparency, or excellent surface finish is required. It has good processability and consistent properties during molding and in final use.

• Full UL Yellow Cards: V0, 5VA, RTI, Glow Wire, F1
• Impact Resistant at Low Temperatures
• Improved Chemical Resistance
• Hydrolysis Resistance
• Laser Marking grades available
• Custom Colors
• Manufactured on 3 Continents

For all of these reasons, TRISTAR® polycarbonate excels as a material for electrical and exterior engineering applications. It offers impact strength and weather resistance for applications like traffic lights, exterior automotive parts and electrical equipment housings. Critical outdoor applications such as these require high-performance materials. Whatever the application, TRISTAR® is the material pick for enhancing molded parts and beating the heat and humidity

Tristar® Polycarbonate Supporting Materials:

• Tristar Brochure
  
• UL Listed Products
  

Delivering peace of mind with you in mind

While we provide the highest quality PC to a large variety of industries, what they all have in common is their dependence on our value, support, assistance and consistent reliability.