

Traditional plastic formulations are too brittle to withstand the harsh conditions in industrial applications such as automotive and transportation parts. Plastic parts that are used in extreme conditions must be modified to improve their impact strength and ability to absorb shock.

Plastics play an essential role in the automotive industry due to their ability to withstand engine compartments' high temperatures. Plastics also have excellent resistance to combustion products and solvents. Furthermore, they can be metal plated for the decorative internal components.
The impact strength of polyvinyl chlorides, polyolefins, and engineered resins is typically low or insufficient for the automotive industry at room and sub-zero temperatures. Impact modifying additives are the ideal solution for automotive applications as they improve the impact strength while maintaining the lightweight, design freedom, and easy fabrication that is required by the automotive industry.
Dow offers Paraloid™ plastic additives to improve the strength and processability of various resins and plastic alloys:
- Acrylic Impact Modifiers (Butyl Acrylates)
- MMA shell and acrylate rubber core
- Thermal stability for high temperature applications such as hot melt
- UV and light stability for use in outdoor applications
- Glass transition temperature or softening temp (Tg ± - 45°C)
- MBS Impact Modifiers (Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene)
- MMA shell and butadiene styrene core
- Excellent impact resistance at low temperatures and low add rates
- High weathering resistance for use in indoor and outdoor applications
- Glass transition temperature or softening temp (Tg ± - 75°C)
- Process Aids:
- Assisting in and controlling fusion along with initial melting
- Increased melt strength and extensibility
- Improves homogeneity
- Enhanced cohesion and rheology
- Prevents melt fracturing
Automotive and Transportation Applications |
- Automotive under the hood plastic parts:

- Plastic interiors in automobiles and transportation vehicles:

Select the Ideal Paraloid™ Product for Your Resin or Formulation Type |
Function/ PVC Type | Flexible PVC | Rigid PVC (Opaque) | Rigid PVC (Clear) | Foam PVC |
Processing Aids Only | ||||
PARALOID™ K-125 | ✔ | ✔ | ||
PARALOID™ K-175 | ✔ | ✔ | ||
PARALOID™ K-120ND | ✔ | ✔ | ||
PARALOID™ K-130D | ✔ | |||
PARALOID™ K-400 | ✔ | |||
PARALOID™ K-416 | ✔ | |||
PARALOID™ K-445 | ✔ | |||
Impact Modifier Only | ||||
PARALOID™ BTA-751U | ✔ | ✔ | ||
PARALOID™ KM 334 | ✔ | ✔ | ||
PARALOID™ KM 5000 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Processing Aid and Impact modifier | ||||
PARALOID™ KM 100 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Resin Type | Epoxy Resins | Polylactic Acid (PLA) Resin | Low Temp Engineered Resin | High Temp Engineered Resin |
PARALOID EXL™ 2314 | ✔ | ✔ | ||
PARALOID EXL™ 2300G | ✔ | ✔ | ||
PARALOID EXL™ 2330 | ✔ | |||
PARALOID EXL™ 2335 | ✔ | |||
PARALOID EXL™ 2650J | ✔ | |||
PARALOID EXL™ 2690 | ✔ | |||
PARALOID EXL™ 2691J | ✔ | ✔ | ||
PARALOID EXL™ BPM-520 | ✔ |