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) is mixed with glass fibre to improve mechanical properties at high temperature, in particular strength and stiffness. The drawback is you lose much of its impact strength. Even so, it retains higher toughness than some of the more brittle engineering plastics. It is used in 3D printing prototypes; automotive applications, such as semi-structural parts and fuel caps; and printer housing and cartridges, for example.


Design properties
Cost usd/kg
1.9-3
Embodied energy MJ/kg
87-107
Carbon footprint kgCO2e/kg
2.9-4.4
Density kg/m3
1105
Tensile modulus GPa
3.5-4.2
Tensile strength MPa
65
Flexural modulus GPa
3.62
Flexural strength MPa
98
Hardness Mohs
2
Rockwell hardness R-scale
114
Melt temperature ºC
220-245
Heat deflection temperature ºC
100
Thermal conductivity W/mK
0.2
Temperature min-max °C
-40 to 80
Thermal
insulator
Electrical
insulator