The need to create new materials in the modern world is felt more and more acutely. Organic polymers are used today in almost all industries and the demand for them will grow and grow. ABS plastic is one such polymer.
Characteristics of ABS plastic
ABS plastic is a unique polymer material that is a thermoplastic resin with a yellowish tint. It has found colossal applications in many large industries. The full name of this material sounds like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic. Such a complex name is explained by the corresponding composition.
ABS plastic consists of three monomers:
- acrylonitrile, which is a colorless liquid with a rather pungent odor;
- butadiene, a colorless gas with a characteristic odor;
- styrene, a colorless liquid with a pungent odor.
ABS plastic is obtained by radical copolymerization of the above monomers. In this reaction, latex rubber must also be present, which is the basis of the future material. At different ratios of monomers, it is required to maintain the homogeneity of the resulting plastic. The higher the initial amount of acrylonitrile, the more viscous the final polymer will be.
ABS plastic is characterized by the presence of a continuous phase formed by acrylonitrile and styrene. There are no air pores in the continuous phase. It is she who provides the unique impact resistance (much higher than that of polystyrene) and thermoplasticity of the finished material. This plastic is able to withstand heating up to 100 ° C. During long-term use, ABS plastic must not be heated to temperatures above 80 ° C.
Benefits of ABS plastic
In addition to the above advantages, ABS plastic is resistant to aggressive media such as acidic and alkaline. It does not change its dimensions during operation and is very beautiful in appearance, which makes it possible to use it for car interior decoration. It has a smooth and shiny surface, although ABS plastic with a matte surface is also produced today.
Disadvantages of ABS plastic
There is no perfect material. ABS plastic also has disadvantages. It dissolves in many organic solvents such as ether, benzene, acetone and others. This polymer is unstable to precipitation and solar radiation.
Scientists have been able to create technologies that can eliminate some of the disadvantages of ABS plastic. For example, if butadiene, which is part of the polymer, is replaced with a saturated elastomer, then the modified material will no longer be so sensitive to bad weather.
