SABIC's Novel LEXAN™ FST3403 PC Copolymer Meets Fire Safety Standard for Rail Seat Backs

SABIC's Innovative Plastics business recently announced new LEXAN™ FST3403 (flame-smoke-toxicity) polycarbonate (PC) copolymer, the first thermoplastic solution for rail seating applications to meet the strictest fire safety requirements under the CEN/TS 45445 standard. Now commercial a full two years before this European standard goes into effect, new high-performance.

LEXAN FST3403 copolymer — developed specifically for seat back shells and side covers — achieved the highest possible hazard level rating (HL3) under CEN/TS 45445-2 R5. In addition to its exceptional heat release, smoke density and toxicity performance, documented by independent laboratory testing, the LEXAN FST copolymer delivers high flow properties for injection molding large parts with excellent aesthetics and impact strength. Today's new product launch demonstrates SABIC's commitment to meeting evolving public safety standards with tailored thermoplastic solutions that support the needs of transportation industry customers.

"SABIC's proactive focus on developing advanced materials technology for rail industry customers will give them a significant head start in developing compliant seating components for a first-to-market competitive advantage," said Ilknur Gur, general manager, Specialty Business in Europe, Innovative Plastics. "Our new LEXAN FST3403 copolymer enables customers to continue using thermoplastics in their seat back shells and side covers instead of having to revert to traditional metal or thermosets that can inhibit design flexibility and potentially add weight and costs from secondary operations. This industry-leading technology greatly simplifies and accelerates compliance with the new European standard."

Combining High Performance and Attractive Aesthetics:

LEXAN FST3403 copolymer was tested by the Currenta Institute in Germany according to the requirements of CEN/TS 45445-2 R5 for seat back shells and side covers. This independent facility certified that LEXAN FST3403 copolymer complies with the requirements of HL3, the most challenging hazard level to achieve. Currenta tested the material for heat release under ISO 5660-1 and for smoke density and toxicity under ISO 5659-2.

The material also provides high flow capabilities that enable large parts, such as seat back shells, to be injection molded without marks, texture defaults, flow lines and other surface defects. It can also be molded in tooling that is typically used for PC/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) materials. Another aesthetic benefit of LEXAN FST3403 copolymer is its ability to be custom colored, which avoids the need for secondary painting.

LEXAN FST3403 copolymer provides the sufficient impact performance and chemical resistance that are hallmarks of LEXAN PC resin. These properties help protect railcar, bus and tram seating from wear and tear.