Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a common
thermoplastic used to make light, rigid, moulded products such as pipes, enclosures and toys. It is 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. The result is a long chain of polybutadiene criss-crossed with shorter chains of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile). The
nitrile[?] groups from neighbouring chains, being polar, attract each other and bind the chains together, making ABS stronger than pure
polystyrene. The styrene gives the plastic a shiny, impervious surface. The butadiene, a
rubbery substance, provides resilience even at low
temperatures. ABS can be used between -25°C and +60°C.
Production of 1 kg of ABS requires the equivalent of about 2 kg of oil for raw materials and energy.