Other Names:
ABS Plastic, Terluran, Cycolac, Poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene), Novodur
Specification Summary
- Purity: ≥99%
- Form: Granules, pellets, sheets, molded parts, filaments
- CAS No.: 9003-56-9
- Molecular Formula: (C<sub>8</sub>H<sub>8</sub>·C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>6</sub>·C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>3</sub>N)<sub>n</sub>
- Molecular Weight: ~211.30 g/mol (per repeating unit; variable due to polymerization)
Product Description
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is an opaque ivory to white thermoplastic with excellent impact resistance, rigidity, and thermal stability. It is insoluble in water and most non-polar solvents but can be attacked by polar solvents like esters or ketones. ABS is non-corrosive, non-alkaline, and exhibits neutral pH. Its balanced composition-acrylonitrile (chemical/heat resistance), butadiene (toughness), and styrene (rigidity)-enables broad usability across industries. The material is easily colored, machined, and bonded, with good dimensional stability and electrical insulation.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Specification Table
Property | Value/Description |
Density | 1.04–1.06 g/cm³ |
Melting Point | 105–125 °C |
Tensile Strength at Yield | 40–50 MPa |
Flexural Modulus | 2.1–2.4 GPa |
Elongation at Break | 10–50% |
IZOD Notched Impact Strength | 7–20 ft-lb/in |
Heat Deflection Temperature | 98–110 °C (at 1.82 MPa) |
Water Absorption (24 hrs) | <0.5% |
Flammability Rating (UL94) | HB |
Surface Resistivity | >10¹⁵ Ω/sq |
Downloadable TDS:
A comprehensive Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is available for download, detailing mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, along with processing guidelines.
Application Sectors and Industries of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Automotive:
ABS is used for dashboards, interior trim, wheel covers, and grilles due to its impact resistance, heat stability, and ease of painting. Its lightweight nature improves fuel efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.
Electronics:
Housings for laptops, printers, and consumer electronics leverage ABS’s rigidity, electrical insulation, and aesthetic finish. It shields sensitive components from mechanical stress and static interference.
Consumer Goods:
Toys (e.g., LEGO bricks), kitchen appliances, and luggage benefit from ABS’s durability, colorability, and resistance to scratches. Its non-toxic nature ensures safety in household applications.
Construction:
ABS pipes, fittings, and profiles are ideal for plumbing and ventilation systems due to chemical resistance and long-term dimensional stability. It withstands temperature fluctuations in outdoor installations.
Medical:
Used in medical device housings, equipment handles, and diagnostic tools, ABS offers sterilizability, biocompatibility, and resistance to disinfectants.
Packaging:
Rigid containers, cosmetic cases, and protective clamshells utilize ABS’s clarity (when modified), lightweight, and barrier properties for product safety and display.
Aerospace:
Interior panels, seat components, and cabin fixtures rely on ABS’s flame-retardant grades and weight-saving properties while meeting strict aviation standards.
Industrial Machinery:
ABS is used for protective guards, conveyor components, and tool housings due to its abrasion resistance and ability to endure mechanical stress.
Marine:
Boat components, buoyancy aids, and marine instrument casings benefit from ABS’s resistance to saltwater corrosion and UV-stabilized formulations.
3D Printing:
ABS filaments are popular in additive manufacturing for prototyping and functional parts, offering layer adhesion, post-processing ease, and thermal stability.
Packaging Types
- 25 kg Bags: Moisture-resistant poly-lined bags for granules/pellets, suitable for manual handling.
- Bulk Bags (FIBC): 500–1000 kg capacity for industrial-scale processing, compatible with automated systems.
- Drums: Sealed containers for ABS powder or specialty compounds, ensuring contamination-free storage.
- Custom Formats: Pre-cut sheets, spooled filaments, or molded blanks tailored to specific manufacturing needs.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) combines versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a cornerstone material across automotive, electronics, construction, and beyond. For detailed technical specifications and compliance data, download the TDS.
