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What is ABS Material? ABS is an ideal material wherever superlative surface quality, colorfastness and luster are required. ABS is a two phase polymer blend. A continuous phase of styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) gives the materials rigidity, hardness and heat resistance.The toughness of ABS is the result of submicroscopically finepolybutadiene rubber particles uniformly distributed in the SAN matrix. GRADES AVAILABLE ABS standard grades have been developed specifically to meet the requirements of major customers. ABS is readily modified both by theaddition of additives and by variation of the ratio of the three monomers Acrylonitrile, Butadiene and Styrene: hence grades available include high and medium impact, high heat resistance, and electroplatable. Fibre reinforcement can be incorporated to increase stiffness and dimension alstability. ABS is readily blended or alloyed with other polymers further increasing the range of properties available. Fire retardancy may be obtained either by the inclusion of fire retardant additives or by blending with PVC. The natural material is an opaque ivory colour and is readily coloured with pigments or dyes. Transparent grades are also available. A variety of grades are available for different applications, the material is typically injection moulded or extruded. APPLICATIONS Because of its good balance of properties, toughness/strength/temperature resistance coupled with its ease of moulding and high quality surface finish, ABS has a very wide range of applications. These include domestic appliances, telephone handsets computer and other office equipment housings, lawn mower covers, safety helmets, luggage shells, pipes and fittings. Because of the ability to tailor grades to the property requirements of the application and the availability of electroplatable grades ABS is often found as automotive interior and exterior trim components.
