ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

This offshoot of the original styrene resins has achieved a place in industrial work of considerable importance. Growth rate for this plastic is exceedingly high (14% per year). This is one of the older, usable standbys primarily for piping service. The material can be varied considerably in properties by changing the ratio of acrylonitrile to the other two components of the tripolymer. Thus, strength, toughness, dimensional stability and other properties can be improved at the sacrifice of other properties.

Although the material has poor heat tolerance (90 °C /194 F max.), a relatively low strength, and a restricted chemical resistance, the low price, ease of joining, and ease of fabrication make the material most attractive for distribution piping for gas, water, waste and vent lines, automotive parts, and numerous consumer service items ranging from the telephone to automobile parts. The plastic will withstand attack by very few organic compounds, is attacked by oxidizing agents and strong acids, and will stress crack in the presence of certain organic products.