ABS

ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) is a copolymer composed of two copolymers and is one of the most common polymer materials. Styrene and Acrylonitrile form a linear copolymer (SAN) that serves as a matrix. Butadiene and Styrene also form a linear copolymer (BS rubber) which acts as the filler material. The combination of the two copolymers gives ABS an excellent combination of strength, rigidity, and toughness.

GENERAL PROPERTIES

ABS has good chemical and stress-cracking resistance to inorganic salt solutions, alkalies, mineral acids (except strong oxidizing acids), and some mineral, vegetable, and animal oils. ABS is easily machined to close tolerances, is tough, dimensionally stable, and may also be thermoformed. Petroleum-based oils, solvents, and paints SHOULD NOT BE USED, as they will cause the material to craze. ABS is also one of the few non-metallic materials which can be readily electroplated (after an electroless plating surface has been applied using a selective etching process).

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

ABS is an economical, general purpose material used in a wide variety of applications, including: • aircraft interior trim • cassette holders • business machine housings • tote bins and trays • luggage • model building • water purification equipment • automotive parts • laboratory equipment • household fixtures