Comprehensive Guide on Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is an impact-resistant engineering thermoplastic. It is an amorphous polymer. It is made of three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. It is a preferred choice for structural applications due to its physical properties. These properties include high rigidity, resistance to impact, abrasion, and strain. Used in electronic housings, auto parts, consumer products, pipe fittings, and lego toys.

Get detailed technical information about ABS polymer. Know more about its key properties, applications, processing conditions, and much more.

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Polycarbonate (PC) and ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) are both thermoplastic polymers that suit different applications. PC is typically injection molded or thermoformed into the desired shape. It is used in high-impact applications and where optical transparency is required. ABS is usually injection molded or extruded. It is more rigid than polycarbonate. ABS performs well in applications that require toughness, and heat resistance.

When considering polycarbonate vs. ABS for manufacturing parts, it can be difficult to choose between them. This article will compare and contrast the structure, manufacturing processes, material properties, applications, cost, recyclability, and sustainability of polycarbonate vs. ABS to help you make the right choice.

What Is Polycarbonate? 

Polycarbonates are thermoplastic polyesters with excellent mechanical properties. PC brand names include Lexan®, Makrolon®, and Palgard&#;. Polycarbonates are formed when phosgene gas reacts with the precursor bisphenol A (BPA). Alternatively, BPA and diphenyl carbonate can undergo transesterification (the conversion of a carboxylic acid ester into a different carboxylic acid ester) to produce PC. Although it is possible to make polycarbonates using non-BPA diols.

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PC is strong and durable. It lends itself to applications that involve high local plastic deformation resulting from impact loading owing to its highly non-crystalline structure. The unorganized and loosely packed polymer chains in PC&#;s structure allow it to absorb considerably more energy than materials with semi-crystalline structures, and so is more impact resistant. The amorphous structure of PC results in it being transparent as light is able to pass through the spaces between its polymer chains, therefore it is suited to applications where transparency is a key requirement. PC&#;s structure also results in its high glass transition temperature, making it a good material to use in high-temperature environments. PC can be processed by metal-forming methods such as press brake bending and can be injection molded, extruded, 3D printed (FDM), and machined. However, polycarbonate requires high temperatures and special equipment to be extruded using 3D printers due to its high glass transition temperature. PC is used to manufacture prototypes as it is easily processed at room temperature using sheet metal machining techniques. 

Common applications of PC include bullet-proof windows, medical devices, safety equipment (visors, eyewear, and screens), electronics, and applications requiring transparency and shatter resistance. For more information, see our guide on What is Polycarbonate Plastic.

Figure 1 are examples of polycarbonate sheets:

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