Products · ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is an impact-resistant amorphous polymer produced by emulsion or mass polymerization of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene monomers. The polybutadiene rubber phase is dispersed as small particles in the continuous styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) matrix, giving ABS its characteristic high impact strength and processability. ABS is widely used in consumer electronics (laptop shells, monitor housings), toys (LEGO bricks), appliance housings, and automotive interior trim. The high gloss surface finish and easy paintability/plateability make ABS valued for visible parts. Reference grades from INEOS Styrolution (Lustran), SABIC (Cycolac), and Covestro (Novodur) cover the full property range.
Section 1
A reference overview of the molecular architecture and the design variables that govern the performance of this polymer family.
ABS is a two-phase polymer: a continuous SAN (styrene-acrylonitrile) matrix with dispersed polybutadiene rubber particles (typically 0.1-1 µm in diameter). The rubber particles act as stress concentrators and craze initiators, absorbing impact energy and giving ABS its high impact strength. The acrylonitrile content (typically 15-30%) contributes to chemical resistance and HDT, while the styrene content contributes to gloss and processability. The composition is the primary design variable: higher rubber content gives higher impact but lower modulus; higher AN content gives higher HDT and chemical resistance.
Section 2
Typical property ranges across commercial grades. Test methods are listed in the rightmost column for traceability to public manufacturer data sheets.
ABS offers high impact strength (better than HIPS), high surface gloss, easy processing (broad processing window), and good dimensional stability. The balance of high impact and high gloss is the key advantage. ABS is more sensitive to UV than other engineering polymers and typically requires UV stabilization for outdoor applications.
| Property · 性能 | Unfilled ABS | 20% GF ABS | Test Method · 测试方法 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density · 密度 | 1.04 – 1.07 g/cm³ | 1.15 – 1.20 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Tg · 玻璃化温度 | 100 – 110 °C | 100 – 110 °C | DSC |
| Tensile Strength · 拉伸强度 | 40 – 50 MPa | 60 – 80 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Modulus · 弯曲模量 | 2.0 – 2.5 GPa | 4.5 – 5.5 GPa | ASTM D790 |
| Elongation at Break · 断裂伸长 | 20 – 40 % | 3 – 5 % | ASTM D638 |
| HDT (1.82 MPa) · 热变形 | 85 – 100 °C | 100 – 110 °C | ASTM D648 |
| Izod Notched Impact · Izod 缺口冲击 | 200 – 400 J/m | 80 – 150 J/m | ASTM D256 |
| Gloss (60°) · 光泽 | > 90 GU | 60 – 80 GU | ASTM D2457 |
Section 3
The major application areas for this polymer family, each illustrated with a brief description of how the material is specified and used.
ABS is widely used in consumer electronics enclosures: TV housings, monitor housings, printer housings, small appliance housings, and mobile device accessories. The high gloss, paintability, and processability for complex geometries is valued in consumer applications.
ABS is the workhorse material for toys (LEGO bricks, model kits, action figures) and consumer goods (luggage, tool cases, kitchen utensils). The high impact strength, colorability, and processability make ABS ideal for mass-market consumer products.
ABS is used in automotive interior trim: instrument panel components, door handles, decorative trim, and glove box. Plated ABS is used in chrome-look decorative parts (grille surrounds, emblem surrounds). The combination of high gloss, processability, and plating capability is valued in interior applications.
ABS is used in small and large appliance housings: coffee machine housings, vacuum cleaner housings, hair dryer housings, and refrigerator inner liners. The high gloss, colorability, and processability for complex geometries are valued.
Section 4
Key processing parameters and equipment considerations. Contact our business manager for grade-specific processing recommendations.
| Melt Temperature | 220 – 260 °C; mold temperature 50 – 80 °C |
| Drying | 80 °C for 2 – 4 hours (less critical than PA/PC but improves surface) |
ABS is easy to process with a broad processing window. Surface finish is highly dependent on mold surface and processing conditions — high gloss requires polished mold and appropriate melt temperature. For plating, ABS is the preferred substrate due to its chemical etching characteristics that promote plating adhesion. ABS is sensitive to UV — outdoor applications require UV-stabilized grades or protective coatings.
Section 5
A summary of when this polymer family is the right choice and what to consider as alternatives. For project-specific grade selection, contact our business manager.
Choose ABS when the application requires impact-resistant amorphous polymer with high gloss and easy processability. For better UV resistance for outdoor applications, consider ASA (acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile, the weatherable version of ABS). For higher impact at low temperature or better heat resistance, consider PC+ABS alloy. For transparent applications, consider SAN or PMMA.
Section 6
Reference grades from publicly available manufacturer catalogs. Complete catalog available on request.
| Grade | Manufacturer | Key Properties | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lustran® 348Internal snapshot · original TDS on request | INEOS Styrolution | High impact · High gloss · Standard | Consumer electronics · Toys · General purpose |
| Cycolac® MG94 | SABIC | High flow · High gloss · Platable | Automotive interior · Plated parts |
| Novodur® P2MCNo vendor TDS · source on request | Covestro | High impact · Standard flow | Toys · Consumer · Industrial |
| Lustran® 552No vendor TDS · source on request | INEOS Styrolution | 20% GF · High stiffness | Structural · High-temp automotive |
Section 7
Cross-references to industry-specific applications and case studies.