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.
ABS |
SAN |
ASA |