ABS Melting Point, Properties, Applications, Advantages & Disadvantages
| Material |
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene)
|
| Structure | Amorphous |
| Tensile Strength | 6030 PSI Yield |
| Opacity |
Clear to opaque
|
| Specific Gravity | 1.04-1.07 |
| Melting Point | 200°C (392°F) |
| Shrinkage | 0.4 to 0.8% |
| Service temperature | 175.5°C (348°F) |
| Deflection Temperature |
161 to 198°C (323 to 390°F)
|
| Applications |
ABS plastic has numerous applications In automotive, electrical and electronics, and appliances:
|
| Advantages |
Some of the most salient advantages of ABS are as follows:-
|
| Disadvantages |
Although the pros outweigh the cons, we should still have a look at it. Here are as follows:-
|
Related Information About ABS Material
ABS is an impact-resistant thermoplastic with an amorphous structure and is naturally opaque, meaning it does not exhibit any solid crystalline characteristics. ABS is made up of three monomers called Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, and Styrene.
Acrylonitrile: It is created from propylene and ammonia. The monomer gets the credit for the polymer’s high heat stability and chemical resistance.
Butadiene: It is released from the production of ethylene and steam crackers. The monomer gets the credit for ABS’s toughness and impact strength.
Styrene: It is released when a modification is made in ethylbenzene. The monomer is responsible for ABS rigidity and processability.
ABS became a mainstream thermoplastic material back in the 1950s when a small modification was made by adding butadiene, the third monomer. The addition of butadiene resulted in high toughness and smooth processability.
How is ABS Made?
The most popular methods to produce ABS are Emulsion and Continuous mass techniques.
ABS is naturally available in opaque ivory color and willingly color with different pigments depending on the application.
One of the prime weaknesses of ABS material is that it is easily affected by polar solvents; however, its smooth processability makes things easier for a manufacturer; ABS can be easily machined in standard machinery.
As far as the ABS production process is concerned, The emulsion technique is the most common and continuous mass technique on rare occasions.
Interesting Read – PVC Melt Point, Properties, Applications, Advantages & Disadvantages
ABS Processing Methods
Injection Molding
In injection molding there are situations where determining whether to dry is needed or not is tricky. In case a vented cylinder is used, drying becomes a must.
In scenarios where drying is needed, 4 hours at 80°C is generally sufficient.
Signs of moisture are evident with stripes, streaks, or bubbles. If any of those factors are seen, pre-drying the mold is advisable.
- Mold temperature – 40-70°C
- Melt Temperature – 210-270°C
- Injection Speed – Moderate to high
- Material Injection Pressure: 50 – 100 MPa
Extrusion:
- Pre-Drying: 3 hours at 70-80°C
- Extrusion temperature: 200 to 240°C
- Screw Design: An L/D ratio of 25-30 is advisable
Suggested Read
- Top 10 High Impact Resistant Plastics
- What is LDPE? | Low-Density Polyethylene | The Complete Guide
- HDPE Melting Point | HDPE Repeat Unit | HDPE Properties | HDPE Advantages & Disadvantages
- Polypropylene Melting Point | PP Melting Point and Properties, Advantages, and Disadvantages
- When Was Plastic Invented? | The History of Plastics
Final Thoughts
That was my take on ABS Melt point, Properties, Applications, Advantages & Disadvantages. ABS is one of the most mainstream thermoplastics in the world. Knowing its attributes very well before doing anything is what I advise everyone.
Kindly share all your thoughts and views about the article in the comment box.
Have an amazing day.
Hi.
I would like to receive information about ABS wood composite.
I would be very happy if you help me.
I found this data on the web:
Typical Deflection Temperatures and Melting Points of Polymers
Polymer Type Deflection Temperature at 0.46 MPa (°C) – at 1.8 MPa (°C)
ABS 98 88
So, is it 161C or 98C ?
Its 200°C (392°F).