Polymers are made up of very large molecules made up of many repeating units called monomers, which ultimately form this long polymer chain
Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic polymer made from monomers of the aromatic hydrocarbon styrene. Polystyrene can be solid or fomed. General-purpose polystyrene is clear, hard, and brittle. As a thermoplastic polymer, polystyrene is in a solid (glassy) state at room temperature but flows if heated above about 100 °C, its glass transition temperature.and also It has wide applications in various industries including packaging, construction, and automotive.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is a terpolymer made by polymerizing styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of polybutadiene. The proportions can vary from 15% to 35% acrylonitrile, 5% to 30% butadiene and 40% to 60% styrene. ABS is most commonly polymerised through the emulsification process or the expert art of combining multiple products that don’t typically combine into a single product.
Structure
ABS is a long chain of polybutadiene crisscrossed with shorter chains of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile).
Properties
The combination of polymers gives ABS a unique set of properties that make it highly desirable for various applications. The acrylonitrile component contributes to the material’s chemical and thermal resistance, while the butadiene component enhances its impact strength and toughness. Lastly, the styrene component imparts rigidity and processability to the ABS material. ABS tensile strength ranges from 30 to 60 megapascals (MPa), ensuring structural integrity and load-bearing capabilities. also ABS materials demonstrate good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and various solvents.
Applications
1.Automotive Industry:
ABS is extensively used in the automotive industry for both interior and exterior components. Its excellent impact resistance, durability, and ease of processing make it suitable for applications such as dashboard panels, door trims, interior handles, and exterior body parts.
2.Consumer Goods:
It is commonly used for manufacturing household appliances, including vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and home entertainment systems. ABS’s toughness, impact resistance, and electrical insulation properties make it suitable for these applications.
3.Medical and Healthcare:
ABS materials are increasingly used in the medical and healthcare sectors. Their biocompatibility, ease of sterilization, and resistance to chemicals make them suitable for applications such as medical equipment housings, handles, and trays. ABS’s dimensional stability and durability ensure that medical devices withstand repeated sterilization processes without compromising their performance.
3.Industrial and Manufacturing:
ABS materials find numerous applications in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. They are commonly used in the production of protective equipment, tool handles, machinery components, and housings for industrial machinery. ABS’s excellent mechanical properties, including impact resistance and dimensional stability, make it suitable for demanding industrial environments.
Advantages
- reasonable production costs
- ability to withstand being heated and cooled multiple times
- suitable for recycling
- high Impact resistance
- Chemical resistance
- High Strength and stiffness
Disadvantages
- Flammability
- Poor weather resistance
- Limited heat resistance
