ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadine-Styrene)

This material is a terpolymer of acrylonitrile, butadine and styrene. Usual compositions are about half styrene with the balance divided between butadiene and acrylonitrile. Considerable variation is possible. Many blends with other materials such as poly vinyl chloride, polycarbonates and polysulfones have been developed and are the most common class of plastics used in electroplated metal coatings for decorative hardware.

ADVANTAGES:

• Good impact resistance with toughness and rigidity
• Metal coatings have excellent adhesion to ABS
• Formed by conventional thermoplastic methods
• A light-weight plastic

DISADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS:

• Poor solvent resistance
• Low dielectric strength
• Only low elongations available
• Low continuous service temperature

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS:

Automotive hardware, appliance cases, pipe, plated items.

Visit the IDES database for detailed specifications.