Styrene-acrylonitrile

Description

A copolymer containing approximately 25-30% acrylonitrile blended with polystyrene. Styrene-acrylonitrile, or SAN, is an inexpensive, strong polymer that forms sheets which are glossy, rigid and transparent. It has been used as a substitute for acrylic sheeting buts lacks the long-term stability in ultraviolet light. SAN is used in household products, plastic cabinetry, appliance, battery cases, dials, knobs, switches and optical lenses.

Synonyms and Related Terms

AS; styrene acrylonitrile; SAN; styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer; copolímero de estireno-acrilonitrilo (Esp.); estireno-acrilonitrilo (Port.)

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Resistant to petroleum products, acids.
• Attacked by low molecular weight organic solvents.

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 13

• Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988

• Website: www.me.umist.ac.uk.historyp

• Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000