Acrylonitrile Polymers

Properties and Applications

Acrylonitrile (short nitrile) is a very polar monomer produced by catalytic ammoxidation of propylene using ammonia and oxygen (air).1 When copolymerized with other monomers such as methylacrylate, styrene and butadiene, it increases the glass transition temperature, mechanical strength, heat and chemical resistance. It also improves the miscibility with polar solvents and monomers which is an important characteristic when used in formulated products such as coatings and adhesives.
The most important nitrile products are acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), followed by acrylonitrile-styrene (SAN), and acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). Many of these acrylonitrile copolymers have excellent chemical resistance against oils, greases, dilute acids and alkalis, but are attacked by halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons. They are low cost engineering and commodity plastics that can be easily molded and tailored to produce a wide variety of products used in the automotive, construction, electronics, and household appliance industries.

 

Manufacturers & Distributors

ABS

SAN

ASA

1 Some major producers of acrylonitrile are INEOS, Mitsubishi Chemical and AnQore among several other key players