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
Microplastics


Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) can be recycled by mechanical means, and re-processed into new plastic parts. However, as a relatively inexpensive plastic used across a wide range of applications and in many different formats, it can be hard to identify and separate.

Waste ABS that is recycled typically comes from offcuts from vacuum forming (which provides a reasonably consistent source of material and is often bought back by the sheet extruder), automotive injection moulded parts (although these are often contaminated with additives or metal plating, for example), luggage, and industrial parts (such as hose and cable reels). rABS is mixed with virgin to reduce the consumption of new material. It has a knock-down effect on mechanical properties, especially when mixed with additives, and this must be checked for each application. And it is typically only available in black.

INEOS Styrolution offer standard grades of rABS from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) – a post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. It is available as standard grades suitable for injection moulding into new electronic products, mobile phones, televisions, displays, household appliances, lighting, furniture and luggage. Produced under the trade name Terluran ECO, it is available in black, with 50% and 70% recycled content.


Design properties
Cost usd/kg
1.5-5
Embodied energy MJ/kg
45-55
Carbon footprint kgCO2e/kg
0.5-2.5
Density kg/m3
1040
Tensile modulus GPa
1.6-2.3
Tensile strength MPa
25-40
Charpy impact strength kJ/m2
18
Hardness Mohs
2
Rockwell hardness R-scale
112
Poissons ratio
0.37
Thermal expansion (µm/m)/ºC
88-95
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