Circularity potential
Low
Strength
Medium
Production energy
High
Stiffness
Low
Embodied CO2
Medium
Density
Medium

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is used in so many everyday applications that it has become very familiar. Its combination of impact strength with high quality surface means it finds application in things like protective helmets, toys (Lego), tableware, lighting, containers and consumer electronic devices (mobile phones, headphones, wearable electronics). Meanwhile, its balance of price and mechanical properties make it favourable in applications spanning automotive and furniture. It is a terpolymner that combines the rigidity and performance of acrylonitrile (A) and styrene (S) copolymer with the exceptional toughness of polybutadiene or a butadiene copolymer (B). The versatility of this combination means this plastic can be tailored to a range of requirements. In terms of cost and performance, ABS bridges the gap between high-performance engineering plastics, such as polycarbonate (PC), and commodity polypropylene (PP).


Sustainability concerns
Non-renewable ingredients
Raw material generates polluting by-products
Microplastics


Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) grades are optimised for injection moulding, sheet extrusion (for thermoforming), blow moulding and 3D printing. Injection moulding grades are mixed with additives to enhance performance, such as UV inhibitors, impact modifiers and flame retardants. ABS takes colour and effects very well, and is often used in combination with highly saturated pigments. In application, it is often left as naked coloured plastic to take advantage of its inherent surface quality, or special effect pigments (such as metallic, pearlescent or fluorescent). Otherwise, it is painted, or metal plated, for added protection against weathering and wear and tear.

Its combination of impact strength with high quality surface are utilised in applications ranging from protective helmets, toys (Lego), tableware, lighting and containers to consumer electronic devices (mobile phones, tablets, laptops, computers, headphones, wearable electronics).

Sheet extrusion grades are optimised for thermoforming. As an amorphous material, ABS vacuum forms very well. Food grade versions are available for things like fridge liners. This technique is also widely used in transport applications, from small and lightweight mobility devises to heavy duty off-highway vehicles, for body panels, air management and semi-structural assemblies. Minimum thickness is limited by the process, so the panels can get quite heavy. But this compromise is offset by the low setup costs (relatively cheap tooling). For structural parts, the ABS may be applied as a decorative layer reinforced with a reaction injection moulded (RIM) backside in polyurethane resin (PUR).

Blow moulded ABS is used to make hollow items for packaging and lightweight furniture, toys, electronics housing, lighting, tableware and automotive bodywork (spoilers, for example).


Design properties
Cost usd/kg
2-3
Embodied energy MJ/kg
90-110
Carbon footprint kgCO2e/kg
3-4.6
Density kg/m3
1040
Tensile modulus GPa
1.8-2.48
Tensile strength MPa
31-47
Flexural modulus GPa
1.7-2.62
Flexural strength MPa
58-79
Notched izod impact strength kJ/m2
18-32
Hardness Mohs
2
Rockwell hardness R-scale
112
Poissons ratio
0.37
Thermal expansion (µm/m)/ºC
88-95
Melt flow rate g/10 min (260 C/2.16 kg)
4-12
Melt temperature ºC
205-245
Heat deflection temperature ºC
94
Thermal conductivity W/mK
0.2
Temperature min-max °C
-40 to 80
Thermal
insulator
Electrical
insulator