ThermoPlastic Elastomer

ABS is a terpolymer produced through the polymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of polybutadiene.
The composition ratio typically varies between 15–35% acrylonitrile, 5–30% butadiene, and 40–60% styrene.
This material is generally manufactured through emulsion polymerization or by advanced blending techniques that combine polymers which normally do not mix, resulting in a homogeneous, high-performance product.

ABS 0150

ABS 0150 is one of the most popular and widely used grades of ABS.
Thanks to its excellent balance of strength, impact resistance, and processability, it is commonly used in a wide range of manufacturing industries.
This grade typically has a medium melt flow index (MFI), making it particularly suitable for injection molding applications.

ABS N50

ABS N50 grade offers superior mechanical performance and high impact strength, making it ideal for use in appliances, industrial parts, and electronic components.
Specially formulated for injection molding, N50 provides a smooth, glossy surface finish with excellent paintability, making it a top choice for aesthetic and functional applications across various industries.

Structure of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is an engineering thermoplastic copolymer composed of three primary monomers:

• Acrylonitrile – provides chemical and heat resistance

• Butadiene – imparts toughness and impact strength

• Styrene – offers rigidity, processability, and surface gloss

This three-component structure gives ABS a well-balanced combination of toughness, mechanical strength, and processability, making it a preferred material in automotive, appliance, electronic, and consumer product manufacturing.
Due to its versatility and performance, ABS is one of the most in-demand polymers in the global supply chain.

Thermal and Mechanical Properties of ABS

The specific blend of these polymers determines the unique properties of ABS for various applications:

• Acrylonitrile enhances chemical and heat resistance.

• Butadiene provides impact strength and toughness.

• Styrene contributes to rigidity, surface gloss, and ease of processing.

ABS exhibits a tensile strength ranging from 30 to 60 MPa, ensuring excellent structural integrity and load-bearing capability.
It also demonstrates good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids and solvents.

Applications of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

1. Automotive Industry

ABS is widely used for both interior and exterior automotive parts.
Its impact resistance, durability, and ease of molding make it ideal for components such as dashboard panels, door trims, interior handles, and exterior body parts.

2. Consumer Goods

ABS is commonly used in the manufacture of household appliances (vacuum cleaners, kitchen devices, entertainment systems) and consumer electronics.
Its mechanical strength, impact resistance, and electrical insulation properties make it ideal for these applications.

3. Medical and Healthcare Equipment

ABS is increasingly used in medical and healthcare applications.
Its biocompatibility, ease of sterilization, and resistance to chemicals make it suitable for medical device housings, handles, and trays.
Its dimensional stability and durability allow it to withstand repeated sterilization cycles without performance degradation.

4. Industrial and Engineering Uses

ABS is also used in protective equipment, machine housings, tool handles, and industrial components.
Its high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and impact resistance make it suitable for demanding industrial environments.

Advantages of ABS

✅ Cost-effective manufacturing
✅ Withstands multiple heating and cooling cycles
✅ Recyclable material
✅ High impact resistance
✅ Excellent chemical resistance
✅ High rigidity and mechanical strength

Disadvantages of ABS

⚠️ Flammable
⚠️ Poor weather and UV resistance
⚠️ Limited heat resistance

ABS Market in Türkiye

In recent years, the turkish polymer market has experienced strong growth in demand for ABS granules.
Due to its high impact strength, excellent mechanical properties, and easy processability, ABS has become one of the key raw materials in automotive, home appliance, and electronics industries.

For industrial customers, up-to-date ABS pricing is crucial since fluctuations in the petrochemical raw material market directly affect final production costs.
Many companies prefer to source their materials from reliable domestic producers such as Qa’ed Basir Petrochemical and Tabriz Petrochemical, both recognized for producing high-quality ABS that meets international standards.

Several factors influence ABS pricing, including grade type, producer brand, order volume, and market conditions.
Therefore, it’s important to have accurate and current price information before purchasing.
We recommend contacting our technical and sales experts for the latest ABS market updates and professional guidance.

ABS Production Process

ABS offers a balanced combination of strength, toughness, and heat resistance, which makes it a preferred polymer in automotive, appliance, electronics, and toy manufacturing.
Its production involves combining three different monomers to form a complex copolymer with unique mechanical and thermal properties.

Main Monomers – The Building Blocks of ABS

• Acrylonitrile (C₃H₃N): Adds chemical resistance, heat stability, and hardness

• Butadiene (C₄H₆): Provides toughness and high impact resistance

• Styrene (C₈H₈): Offers rigidity, gloss, and processability

Primary Manufacturing Method – Emulsion Polymerization

The most efficient and widely used method for producing ABS is emulsion polymerization, which typically occurs in two main stages:

Stage 1: Production of Polybutadiene Latex

In the first stage, butadiene monomer is polymerized in water in the presence of an emulsifier (similar to soap), forming a latex of polybutadiene rubber.
This latex contains fine rubber particles that later act as impact-modifying domains in the final ABS structure.

Stage 2: Graft Polymerization

In the second stage, acrylonitrile and styrene monomers are added to the polybutadiene latex.
An initiator is then introduced to trigger polymerization.
This results in the formation of styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymer chains that graft onto the rubber particles, creating a dual-phase system — a soft rubbery phase (butadiene) dispersed within a rigid glassy matrix (SAN).
This complex morphology gives ABS its unique combination of toughness and strength.

Final Stage – From Latex to Granules

After polymerization, the ABS latex undergoes a finishing process to produce the final granulated resin:

1. Coagulation: The latex is coagulated using chemical agents, separating polymer particles from water.

2. Washing and Drying: The polymer is thoroughly washed and dried to remove residual moisture.

3. Extrusion and Pelletizing: The dried ABS powder is blended with additives (heat stabilizers, pigments, lubricants) and processed through an extruder.
   The molten material is extruded into strands, cooled, and cut into uniform ABS granules, which are then ready for commercial use across industries.

Conclusion

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic offering an ideal balance of strength, impact resistance, and processability.
Its versatile properties make it indispensable in automotive, appliance, electronics, and industrial applications.
The variety of ABS grades—including 0150 and N50—caters to specific manufacturing requirements, ensuring high-quality molded products with excellent aesthetic and mechanical performance.

For updated pricing, technical consultation, or bulk purchasing, please contact our industrial specialists for expert guidance on selecting the most suitable ABS grade for your application.

General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) is produced through the polymerization of styrene monomer via a suspension process. The product is obtained as a solid material and compressed into granules to manufacture a wide range of plastic products. GPPS is characterized by its excellent clarity and high transparency. It is a hard, crystal-clear thermoplastic polymer that is versatile and easy to process. GPPS exhibits excellent electrical insulation, low density, and good dimensional stability. It is widely used in applications such as packaging, household goods, and office equipment.

Structure of GPPS

GPPS is a thermoplastic polymer derived from styrene monomer. The chemical structure of GPPS granules consists of linear chains of styrene monomer units connected by covalent bonds. The properties of GPPS can be modified through copolymerization with other monomers such as acrylonitrile, butadiene, zinc, or methyl methacrylate.

Properties of General Purpose Polystyrene

GPPS has high moisture resistance and excellent electrical insulation properties. However, it is brittle and exhibits low impact strength. Its tensile strength is about 50–60 MPa, and its flexural modulus ranges between 2200–2500 MPa.
The glass transition temperature (Tg) is approximately 85–105 °C, and its melting point (Tm) ranges between 200–240 °C. The heat deflection temperature (HDT) under a load of 0.45 MPa is typically 70–80 °C.

Applications of GPPS

1. Packaging

GPPS is a popular choice for packaging materials due to its excellent clarity, rigidity, and moldability. It is used in the production of food containers, disposable utensils, and CD cases. It is also utilized in blister packaging, commonly used for pharmaceutical products.

2. Consumer Products

Because of its excellent electrical insulation, lightweight, and dimensional stability, GPPS is used in the manufacture of various consumer goods, such as toys, cosmetic packaging, hangers, trays, and household organizers.

3. Construction Industry

GPPS, particularly grade 1540, is used in construction due to its outstanding insulation properties, low weight, and dimensional stability. It is employed in foam insulation boards, window frames, and lighting fixtures.

4. Automotive Industry

In the automotive sector, GPPS is used for producing components such as instrument panels, door panels, and radiator parts because of its moldability and dimensional accuracy.

5. Standard Polystyrene Foam

Standard GPPS foam is a hard, transparent polymer with good thermal and electrical insulation and lightweight properties. Although less impact-resistant than HIPS, it is still widely used across various industries.

Advantages of GPPS

✅ Excellent moldability
✅ Good thermal and electrical insulation
✅ Cost-effective and versatile
✅ High transparency and optical clarity
✅ Stable dimensions

Disadvantages of GPPS

❌ Low impact resistance
❌ Limited thermal stability
❌ Non-biodegradable

GPPS Market Price

The price of GPPS in the market varies depending on brand, delivery location, and market conditions. Due to frequent price fluctuations, it is recommended to consult industry experts for up-to-date pricing information before purchase to ensure a cost-effective buying experience.

GPPS Grades

GPPS 1540

GPPS 1540 is one of the most widely used grades due to its high transparency, easy processability, and glossy surface finish. It is ideal for packaging, household appliances, and laboratory equipment. With its excellent melt flow index (MFI), it is suitable for injection molding and extrusion applications.

GPPS 1551

GPPS 1551 is a rigid, transparent thermoplastic designed for injection molding and component manufacturing. This grade offers high MFI and good thermal resistance, making it ideal for construction, packaging, and household products.

GPPS MP08

GPPS MP08 is a black-colored, UV-stabilized grade suitable for injection and blow molding processes. It contains an optimized carbon black content that enhances surface quality and durability. The supplier ensures consistent quality and long-term reliability for customers.

Production Process of GPPS

1. Styrene Monomer Preparation

Styrene monomer (C₈H₈) is obtained from refining units and purified through fractional distillation to remove organic and gaseous impurities. The industrial-grade styrene must have a purity of over 99% to prevent discoloration and mechanical weakness in the final polymer.

Key steps include:

• Maintaining distillation temperature between 144–146 °C

• Testing acid number and oil color index

• Adding antioxidants (e.g., 4-tert-butylcatechol) to prevent premature polymerization

2. Suspension Polymerization

In this process, styrene monomer droplets are suspended in water with stabilizers and initiators. The main components include:

• Styrene monomer: 30–40 wt%

• Deionized water (carrier phase)

• Suspension agent: gelatin or polyvinyl alcohol

• Peroxide initiators: benzoyl peroxide or AIBN

Reaction temperature: 60–90 °C under near-atmospheric pressure.
Careful control of temperature, agitation speed, and composition ensures uniform bead size and targeted molecular weight.

3. Separation, Washing, and Drying

After polymerization:

• Filtration: beads are separated from the aqueous phase

• Washing: several rinses with deionized water to remove initiator residues

• Drying: in rotary or fluid-bed dryers at 110–120 °C to achieve <0.1% moisture content

These steps ensure low moisture and high purity, resulting in an easily processable polymer.

Difference Between GPPS and HIPS

Although both belong to the polystyrene family, they differ fundamentally in structure and performance.

GPPS (General Purpose Polystyrene)

A pure homopolymer consisting only of styrene monomer units. It is amorphous, allowing light to pass through easily, giving it excellent clarity. However, it is brittle and has low impact resistance.

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

A copolymer produced by polymerizing styrene in the presence of polybutadiene rubber. The rubber particles act as microscopic shock absorbers, greatly improving impact resistance (5–10× higher) than GPPS.
However, the inclusion of rubber reduces transparency, making HIPS opaque and milky white.

✅ Choose GPPS when clarity and rigidity are priorities.
✅ Choose HIPS when impact resistance and toughness are more important.

Comparison Table: GPPS vs. HIPS

FAQ – GPPS

1. What is GPPS and what are its main properties?
GPPS (General Purpose Polystyrene) is a clear, rigid thermoplastic made by the polymerization of styrene monomer. It features smooth surface, high clarity, easy moldability, and cost efficiency, making it suitable for packaging and consumer products.

2. What is the difference between GPPS and HIPS?
GPPS is transparent but brittle, while HIPS is impact-resistant but opaque, containing rubber additives (polybutadiene) for toughness.

3. In which industries is GPPS used?
GPPS is widely used in:

• Food packaging and disposable containers

• Electronic and office equipment

• Advertising and display materials

• Laboratory and medical devices requiring transparency