What are the key physical and chemical properties of ABS granules?

ABS granules are a widely used thermoplastic polymer with a balanced combination of physical and chemical properties that make it suitable for a variety of applications. Here are the key physical and chemical properties of ABS granules:

Physical Properties:
Density: Typically around 1.04–1.07 g/cm³.

ABS granules is relatively lightweight, making it suitable for parts requiring structural integrity without significant weight.
Tensile Strength: Around 40–60 MPa.

ABS granules exhibits good tensile strength, meaning it can withstand stretching and pulling forces without breaking.
Impact Resistance: Excellent.

One of ABS granules’s standout characteristics is its toughness and high impact resistance, even at low temperatures.
Hardness: Medium-high.

ABS granules is a moderately hard material, which helps provide good surface quality and scratch resistance.

Thermal Properties:

Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): 105°C.
At this temperature, ABS granules transitions from a hard, glassy material to a more rubbery, flexible state.
Melting Point: ABS granules does not have a clear melting point but rather softens over a range of temperatures (~210-240°C) during processing.
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): 80–100°C at 1.82 MPa.
This represents the temperature at which ABS granules will deform under a specific load.
Moisture Absorption: Low (0.2–0.3%).

ABS granules absorbs very little moisture, which means it maintains its mechanical properties in humid environments.
Surface Finish: High gloss.

ABS granules can achieve a high-quality, glossy surface finish, which is ideal for aesthetic applications.

Chemical Properties:

Chemical Resistance:

Good resistance: to dilute acids, alkalis, and many oils and fats.
Poor resistance: to organic solvents (e.g., acetone, ketones, esters), which can cause swelling, stress cracking, or softening.
Flammability: ABS granules is a flammable material, classified as UL 94 HB (horizontal burning).

It can be made flame retardant with additives.
UV Sensitivity: ABS granules tends to degrade when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leading to color fading and surface cracking over time. UV stabilizers can be added to improve its outdoor durability.

Electrical Properties:

Dielectric Strength: High, which makes ABS granules a good insulator for electrical applications.
Surface Resistivity: ABS granules can maintain good electrical insulation properties, but certain grades with conductive fillers are available for specific applications.

Chemical Composition: ABS granules is a copolymer made from three monomers:

Acrylonitrile: Provides chemical and thermal stability.
Butadiene: Improves toughness and impact resistance.
Styrene: Adds rigidity and glossiness.

These properties make ABS granules ideal for use in automotive parts, electronics, toys (like LEGO bricks), and various household goods. The balance of rigidity, impact strength, and ease of processing gives ABS granules its versatility.