UV-resistant plastics
ASA, PVDF, PMMA, HDPE with UV stabilizers, and fluoropolymers form the shortlist for long-term outdoor use. Standard ABS and PC yellow and embrittle within a season without additive packages.
What to look for
- Retains ≥ 80 % of impact strength after 1,000+ h UV exposure
- Low yellowness-index shift
- Compatible additives available (UV absorbers, HALS)
Top materials for uv-resistant plastics
- #1ABSAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
A tough engineering thermoplastic widely used in automotive, consumer products, electronics and 3D printing.
- #2PolycarbonatePolycarbonate
A transparent, high-impact engineering plastic used in glazing, electronics and safety equipment.
- #3Acrylic (PMMA)Poly(methyl methacrylate)
A rigid, glass-clear thermoplastic offering excellent UV resistance and optical clarity.
- #4PC/PBT BlendPolycarbonate / Polybutylene Terephthalate Blend
Good toughness, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.
- #5POM HomopolymerPolyoxymethylene Homopolymer
High stiffness, strength, excellent fatigue resistance and low friction.
- #6POM CopolymerPolyoxymethylene Copolymer
Good chemical resistance, fatigue strength, and creep resistance.
- #7SAN StandardStyrene Acrylonitrile Standard
Good transparency, stiffness, and chemical resistance compared to polystyrene.
- #8ASA UV ResistantAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate UV Resistant
Excellent weatherability and UV resistance, good impact strength.
- #9PC/PBT Impact ModifiedPolycarbonate / Polybutylene Terephthalate Blend, Impact Modified
Enhanced toughness, good chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.
- #10PS Crystal Injection MoldingGeneral Purpose Polystyrene (Crystal) for Injection Molding
Transparent, rigid, and easily processed material for disposable cutlery, packaging, and CD cases.
- #11Ionomer Surlyn PackagingIonomer (Surlyn) for High-Performance Packaging
Excellent toughness, sealability, and abrasion resistance for demanding packaging.
- #12Standard Natural RubberStandard Natural Rubber
A versatile, high-performance elastomer derived from rubber trees, offering excellent tensile strength and resilience.
- #13Weather-Resistant Ethylene Propylene Diene MonomerEthylene Propylene Diene Monomer (Weather-Resistant)
An elastomer with outstanding resistance to weathering, ozone, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures.
- #14High-Temperature Flexible Vinyl Methyl SiliconeVinyl Methyl Silicone Rubber (VMQ)
A silicone rubber known for its excellent thermal stability, flexibility at low temperatures, and electrical insulation properties.
- #15Medium Oil and Heat Resistant Acrylic RubberAcrylic Rubber (ACM)
An elastomer with good resistance to heat, oxidation, and petroleum-based oils, suitable for automotive applications.
- #16High-Temperature Oil-Resistant Ethylene Acrylic ElastomerEthylene Acrylic Elastomer (AEM)
A specialty elastomer offering excellent resistance to heat, oils, and automotive fluids.
- #17Flexible Hydrolysis-Resistant Thermoplastic Polyurethane (Polyether)Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) - Polyether type
A highly flexible and resilient thermoplastic elastomer with excellent hydrolysis and low-temperature performance.
- #18High-Performance Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (Santoprene)Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV) - Santoprene family
A highly engineered TPV offering excellent compression set, chemical resistance, and a broad temperature range.
- #19Soft Touch Flexible Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-StyreneStyrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (SEBS) block copolymer
A saturated block copolymer with excellent UV stability, flexibility, and a soft, rubber-like feel.
- #20General Purpose Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene TPEStyrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) block copolymer
An unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer commonly used in adhesives, asphalt modification, and footwear.