Products · PC-ABS
Polycarbonate/ABS (PC+ABS) alloys combine the impact strength and heat resistance of polycarbonate with the processability, surface finish, and lower cost of ABS. The alloy composition is typically 30-70% PC, with the rest being ABS and a compatibilizer to keep the phases dispersed. The result is an amorphous engineering polymer with better low-temperature impact strength than ABS, better processability than PC, and a wider processing window than either pure material. PC+ABS is the workhorse for automotive interior trim, electronics enclosures, office equipment, and power tool housings. Reference grades from Covestro (Bayblend), SABIC (Cycoloy), and Teijin (Multilon) 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.
PC+ABS is a polymer blend (alloy) of polycarbonate and ABS, not a copolymer. The two polymers are immiscible at the molecular level but can be mechanically mixed with the help of a compatibilizer (typically a styrene-acrylonitrile-maleic anhydride copolymer, SAN-MA) that acts as a bridge between the PC-rich and ABS-rich phases. The result is a stable two-phase morphology with PC-rich domains providing impact strength and heat resistance, and ABS-rich continuous phase providing processability and surface finish. The composition ratio is the primary design variable: higher PC content gives higher HDT and impact strength; higher ABS content gives better processability and lower cost.
Section 2
Typical property ranges across commercial grades. Test methods are listed in the rightmost column for traceability to public manufacturer data sheets.
PC+ABS offers a balanced property profile: high impact strength (better than ABS, comparable to PC at low temperature), good HDT (100-130°C depending on PC content), easy processing (lower melt temperature than PC, better flow than PC), and good surface finish (high gloss, paintable, plateable). The combination of low-temperature impact and processability is the key advantage.
| Property · 性能 | PC+ABS (50:50) | PC+ABS (70:30) | Test Method · 测试方法 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density · 密度 | 1.12 – 1.15 g/cm³ | 1.15 – 1.18 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Tg · 玻璃化温度 | 115 – 130 °C | 125 – 140 °C | DSC |
| Tensile Strength · 拉伸强度 | 50 – 60 MPa | 55 – 65 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Modulus · 弯曲模量 | 2.0 – 2.4 GPa | 2.2 – 2.6 GPa | ASTM D790 |
| Elongation at Break · 断裂伸长 | 60 – 100 % | 50 – 80 % | ASTM D638 |
| HDT (1.82 MPa) · 热变形 | 95 – 110 °C | 115 – 130 °C | ASTM D648 |
| Izod Notched Impact (23°C) · Izod 缺口冲击 | 400 – 600 J/m | 500 – 700 J/m | ASTM D256 |
| Mold Shrinkage · 成型收缩 | 0.4 – 0.6 % | 0.4 – 0.6 % | ASTM D955 |
Section 3
The major application areas for this polymer family, each illustrated with a brief description of how the material is specified and used.
PC+ABS is widely used in automotive interior trim: instrument panel components, center console, door trim, pillar trim, and glove box. The combination of low-temperature impact strength (-30°C), good HDT, paintable surface, and processability for complex geometries is uniquely suited to interior applications.
PC+ABS is the dominant material for consumer electronics enclosures: laptop shells, monitor housings, printer housings, and mobile device accessories. The combination of impact strength, good surface finish (paintable, plateable, screen-printable), and processability for thin walls is valued in consumer and IT applications.
PC+ABS is used in office equipment housings (copiers, printers, scanners) where the combination of impact strength, dimensional stability, and flame retardance is required. Many PC+ABS grades are available with UL94 V-0 flame retardance for IT equipment compliance.
PC+ABS is used in power tool housings (drills, impact drivers, angle grinders) where the combination of impact strength, dimensional stability, and processability is required. Glass-fiber-reinforced PC+ABS grades are used in high-stress areas like gear housings.
Section 4
Key processing parameters and equipment considerations. Contact our business manager for grade-specific processing recommendations.
| Melt Temperature | 240 – 280 °C; mold temperature 60 – 90 °C |
| Drying | 100 – 110 °C for 4 – 6 hours (moisture < 0.02%) |
PC+ABS is less moisture-sensitive than PC, but drying is still recommended for high-quality surface finish. The two-phase morphology can produce weld lines and streak defects — careful gate design and processing parameter optimization is needed for high-quality parts. Painting and plating require proper surface preparation and primer selection.
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 PC+ABS when the application requires higher impact strength and HDT than ABS alone, with better processability than PC alone. For high-gloss transparent applications, choose PC. For higher heat (HDT > 130°C), consider modified PPE or PPE/PA. For very low cost and high impact at room temperature, choose ABS or HIPS. For medical or food contact, verify PC+ABS grade compliance with relevant regulations.
Section 6
Reference grades from publicly available manufacturer catalogs. Complete catalog available on request.
| Grade | Manufacturer | Key Properties | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayblend® T85 | Covestro | Standard · 50:50 PC:ABS · High flow | Automotive interior · Electronics enclosure |
| Cycoloy® C2950 | SABIC | High impact · Standard flow | IT equipment · Office equipment · FR available |
| Multilon® T-3713 | Teijin | High HDT · Paintable · Low CLTE | Automotive interior · Trim |
| Bayblend® FR3010 | Covestro | FR · UL94 V-0 · 1.5 mm | IT equipment · Office equipment · FR applications |
Section 7
Cross-references to industry-specific applications and case studies.