Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Styrene Butadiene Acrylonitrile

CH2=CH-CH=CH2 CH2=C(CN)H

--- CH2=C

CN
H-bond
(strong)
H

-- CH2=C

CN

- Bulky, irregular - Flexible, - Good solvent

- High Tg, strong weak rubber resistant

Basic building blocks of S, A, and polybutadiene put

together in a variety of ways

Two most important type:

I Blends of SAN copolymers with butadiene-
acrylonitriel rubber

II Interpolymer of polybutadiene, S and A

Blends of acrylonitrile- styrene copolymers with
polybutadiene-acrylonitrile rubber
Blending on a two-roll mill or in an internal mixer
or blending the lattices followed by coagulation
or spray drying
The two materials are compatible, tf little
improvement in impact strength
To improve IS, the rubber is lightly crosslinked by
the use of small quantities of peroxide
Typical blend
70 parts (70:30 styrene AN)
30 parts (65:35 butadiene AN)

Interpolymers of polybutadiene with styrene and

acrylonitrile
Styrene and AN are added to polybutadiene latex
Mixture warmed to about 50C to allow
absorption of the monomers
Water soluble initiators (eg. Potassium
persulphate) added to polymerise styrene and
AN
Resultant mixture of polybutadiene,
polybutadiene grafted with AN and styrene, S-AN
copolymer
Presence of graft polymer is essential for
strength improvement
Properties:

i) Good stress cracking and chemical resistance

ii) Strong (?), tough (?) (high IS), lightweight

iii)Poor weathering resistance & flame resistance

iv) Amorphous, opaque

Applications:

i) Telephone
ii) Shower head
iii)Cover for lawn-mower
iv)Vacuum cleaner
v) PC housing
vi)Electrical goods; TV
vii) Car bumper