Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. ABS is an impact resistant thermoplastic and amorphous polymer. ABS consists of three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is an ideal material wherever superior surface quality, color fastness and gloss are required. ABS is a two-phase polymer blend. A continuous styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) phase imparts hardness, toughness and heat resistance to materials. ABS's toughness is the result of microscopically fine particles of polybutadiene rubber evenly dispersed in the SAN matrix.
Features
ABS is an ideal material wherever superior surface quality, color fastness and gloss are required. ABS is an extremely cost-effective material for components with stringent service requirements or potential for weight savings.
ABS standard grades are developed specifically to meet the requirements of large customers. ABS is easily modified both by the addition of additives and by changing the ratio of the three monomers of Acrylonitrile, Butadiene and Styrene: Grades available therefore include high and medium impact, high heat resistance and electroplating. Fiber reinforcement can be included to increase stiffness and dimensional stability. ABS is easily blended or alloyed with other polymers, further increasing the range of properties available. It can be obtained by adding fire retardant additives or mixing with PVC. The natural material is an opaque ivory color and is easily colored with pigments or dyes. Transparent classes are also available.
Usage areas
Due to its good balance of properties, toughness/strength/temperature resistance and ease of molding and high quality surface finish, ABS has a wide range of applications. These include home appliance, telephone handset, computer and other office equipment enclosures, lawn mower covers, hard hats, luggage guards, tubing and fittings. Due to its ability to tailor grades to the property requirements of the application and the availability of electroplatable grades, ABS is often found as automotive interior and exterior coating components.
