Maleic Anhydride Grafted ABS (ABS-g-MAH) is a modified version of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) in which maleic anhydride (MAH) is grafted onto the polymer chain. This modification enhances the compatibility of ABS with polar polymers, fillers, and reinforcements, making it especially useful in applications requiring improved adhesion and interfacial bonding.

Structure Maleic Anhydride Grafted ABS 

Maleic Anhydride Grafted ABS (ABS-g-MAH) consists of the standard ABS polymer backbone, which includes acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, with maleic anhydride chemically grafted onto it. The grafting process typically occurs through reactive extrusion or radical polymerization, where maleic anhydride molecules attach to the butadiene or styrene segments of the ABS chain. This modification introduces polar functional groups into the otherwise non-polar ABS matrix, improving its compatibility with polar polymers, fillers, and reinforcements. The presence of maleic anhydride provides reactive sites that enhance adhesion and interfacial bonding in polymer blends and composites. While the primary structure of ABS remains intact, the grafted maleic anhydride groups contribute to increased polarity, making the material more suitable for applications requiring better dispersion of fillers, improved adhesion to coatings, and enhanced mechanical properties in polymer blends.

Properties Maleic Anhydride Grafted ABS 

Maleic Anhydride Grafted ABS (ABS-g-MAH) consists of an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) backbone with maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted onto it through reactive processing methods such as melt grafting or solution grafting. The structure retains the original ABS polymer framework, which comprises styrene and acrylonitrile phases dispersed in a rubbery butadiene matrix, but the addition of maleic anhydride introduces polar functional groups onto the polymer chains. The grafting process typically occurs through radical polymerization, where free radicals generated on the ABS backbone react with maleic anhydride, leading to covalent attachment. The maleic anhydride groups primarily bond to the butadiene segments or sometimes to the styrene portions, enhancing the polarity of the material. This structural modification improves compatibility with polar polymers such as polyamides and polycarbonates, increases adhesion to fillers and reinforcements, and enhances interfacial interactions in polymer blends, making ABS-g-MAH a valuable compatibilizer and adhesion promoter in various engineering applications.

Applications Maleic Anhydride Grafted ABS 

• Polymer Blends & Alloys – Enhances compatibility in blends like ABS/PA, PC/ABS, and ABS/PBT.
• Adhesion Promoter – Improves bonding with coatings, paints, adhesives, and metals.
• Compatibilizer in Composites – Enhances dispersion of fillers like glass fibers, talc, and carbon nanotubes.
• Automotive Industry – Used in bumpers, interior panels, and structural components requiring toughness and adhesion.
• Electronics & Electricals – Applied in enclosures, connectors, and parts requiring improved thermal and mechanical stability.
• Packaging & Consumer Goods – Improves adhesion in multilayer packaging films and functionalized plastic parts.

Advantages Maleic Anhydride Grafted ABS 

• Improved Compatibility – Enhances adhesion between ABS and polar polymers or reinforcements.
• Increased Adhesion – Strong interfacial bonding with fillers, coatings, and other polymers.
• Enhanced Mechanical Properties – Better impact resistance, toughness, and thermal stability.
• Better Processability – Allows easier blending with other polymers and additives.
• Chemical Resistance – More resistant to environmental stress and certain chemicals compared to standard ABS.

Disadvantages Maleic Anhydride Grafted ABS 

• Higher Cost – More expensive than standard ABS due to additional processing.
• Reduced Thermal Stability – The grafting process can sometimes lower the thermal stability of ABS.
• Possible Degradation – Maleic anhydride groups may undergo hydrolysis over time, affecting performance.
• Limited Availability – Not as widely available as standard ABS, which may affect sourcing.