Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
One of the applicable polymers in the group of thermoplastic polymers is ABS polymer. This polymer consists of three monomeric units of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. Each of these monomeric units has special properties that make ABS polymer important. Acrylonitrile monomer unit increases heat resistance and chemical resistance. Butadiene, on the other hand, increases the compressive strength and stiffness of the product, and eventually styrene will lead to better ductility and harder ABS.
Application of ABS
The unique properties of this polymer due to the difference in the percentage of its monomers, which gives special properties to the final product, increase the potential for use in various industries and investments in this field. This will make the ABS important.
According to reports, the application of ABS can be classified in some categories like: construction, automotive industry, electronics and sanitary ware and transportation. ABS can also be used as a cover in the construction of waterproof doors.
Types of ABS
Depending on what percentage of each acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene unit is used in the preparation of ABS; A wide range of properties is created and different types of ABS are available in the market.
The types of grades of ABS include the following:
- General level
- Heat resistant level
- Electroplating grade
- Flame retardant grade
- Transparent level
- Antistatic
- Sheet extrusion grade
- Pipe grade
Properties and benefits of ABS
- Excellent impact properties
- Cheap
- High stiffness properties
- Dimensional stability
- Ductility under heat
- Good machining
- Has dielectric properties
- Resistance to chemicals
- Proper processability
Disadvantages of ABS
In addition to the features and benefits of ABS, its disadvantages and ways to improve the properties should be considered.
- Opaque
- Flame sensitive
- Sensitive to ultraviolet rays
- High moisture absorption