ACRYLIGARD™ CS-113
ACRYLIGARD™ CS-114
All Acrylic Polymer System for Coextrusion Over Vinyl Substrate

Description

The vinyl siding industry regards weatherability and color retention as very important customer needs. ACRYLIGARD capstock polymers have been developed to address these needs. With its polymeric configuration consisting of a cross-linked acrylic rubber core and a high Tg acrylic shell that is grafted onto the core, the ACRYLIGARD polymer combines a balance of toughness, gloss control, and colorhold properties which is superior to that of vinyl and other current co-extruded non-vinyl capstocks used in the siding market.

The ACRYLIGARD capstock polymer is supplied in pellet form and is available with or without TiO₂:

• ACRYLIGARD CS-113 pellets do not contain TiO₂
• ACRYLIGARD CS-114 pellets contain TiO₂

Physical Description

Chemical Description: 100% Acrylic polymer
Appearance: pellet form

Application/Uses

The ACRYLIGARD capstock polymers have been specifically designed for coextrusion over vinyl substrate for siding applications. ACRYLIGARD capstocks can be readily pigmented with color concentrates that are being fed directly at the extruder. With twin-screw extrusion, excellent dispersion of the color concentrate with the ACRYLIGARD pellets is obtained so that there is color uniformity throughout the extruded capstock layer. Having superior colorhold relative to vinyl, ACRYLIGARD capstocks can be used over a wide color range with medium to low L values, where vinyl is particularly vulnerable to color fading due to outdoor exposure. Other non-vinyl capstocks, such as ASA, are also prone to UV degradation in the low L value color regions like dark green, red or blue.

Other applications such as window profiles and fencing also may be considered for capping with ACRYLIGARD. ACRYLIGARD CS-113 and CS-114 capstock polymers are intended primarily for siding in which a relatively low gloss appearance is needed. However, the gloss level can be adjusted for higher gloss applications like windows.

Benefits Of ACRYLIGARD Capstock Co-Extruded over Vinyl Siding Substrate

• High impact strength – better than other acrylic capstocks in the market
• Excellent resistance to bowing
• Low gloss advantage for siding
• Hard surface to resist abrasion
• Superior color hold performance relative to ASA and other non-vinyl capstocks
• Ease of processing in extrusion

Typical Properties OfACRYLIGARD Capstock

When ACRYLIGARD capstock is co-extruded over a vinyl siding substrate the impact strength properties of the final product are essentially the same as vinylcapped siding. With its core/shell configuration, the impact range of ACRYLIGARD-capped vinyl siding exceeds that of other acrylic or ASA-capped sidings.

Gloss control is imperative in vinyl siding. ACRYLIGARD capstock imparts a low gloss level that is consistent with what is required by vinyl siding manufacturers. The gloss values in the table are shown as a range because gloss is influenced by such factors as embossing and extrusion conditions.

Additional properties of ACRYLIGARD capstock are compared to those of other capstocks as indicated below.
For these tests, which measure only capstock properties, the capstock was extruded at a 4mil thickness without
the vinyl substrate.

Extrusion Processing Performance

At extruder temperatures similar to that for PVC, ACRYLIGARD pellets can be processed to achieve uniform melt flow as a relatively thin layer co-extruded over the PVC substrate. The ACRYLIGARD pellets melt readily in a twin screw extruder, and color concentrate can be added at the feed throat without concern about achieving good color dispersion in the extrudate.

A dual manifold die design is typical for co-extruding the cap and sub layers, and there is excellent adhesion of the ACRYLIGARD pellets to the vinyl substrate. Cap thicknesses as low as 3 +/- 0.5 mils are attainable. With the UV stabilizers contained in the ACRYLIGARD, there is < 1%UV transmission in the 300-400 nm region.

Weathering Performance

The ACRYLIGARD capstock polymer demonstrates excellent color retention in exposure tests performed in various geographic areas. Several colors over a range of L values were tested to show that over a five year exposure period ACRYLIGARD capstock retains nearly all of its original color with little or no fluctuation over that time span.

Standard Packaging

The standard package is a corrugated carton (1000 lb. net of pellets). Please check with your account representative for specific package availability as some packages are dependent upon density and demand of material.

Storage And Handling
(see MSDS for details)

Standard recommended storage conditions are as follows:

• Store indoors, protected from weather (moisture)
• Temperature should not exceed 60°C
• Protect from ultraviolet light
• With stretch hood or stretch wrap intact (if applicable)

Unopened (if material is opened, it should not be left exposed and should be used within one month); ambient temperature preferred.

When stored correctly in the original packaging, the shelf life is:

2.5 years from date of manufacture

Safe Handling Information

Avoid high concentrations of dust in the air and accumulation of dust on equipment. An airborne dust of this material can create a dust explosion. When handling and processing this material, local exhaust ventilation may be required to control dust and reduce exposure to vapors. To prevent dust explosions, employ bonding and grounding for operations capable of generating static electricity. Dispose by placing powder in air tight bags. Incinerate or landfill at a permitted facility in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Material Safety Data Sheets are available outlining hazards and safe handling methods. Contact Dow for copies of the MSDS for this product and for other handling information.