Methacrylate Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

(Transparent ABS)

Properties

Methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (MABS), also known as transparent ABS, is a clear engineering and commodity thermoplastic that has rubber particles dispersed throughout a methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile styrene (MMA-SAN) polymer matrix. The incorporating of rubber particles into a MMA-SAN matrix and optimization of the composition results in a highly transparent polymer whereas conventional ABS is opaque.1 This amorphous, clear, transparent engineering and commodity thermoplastic has excellent transparency, high-impact strength2, good stiffness and good resistance to many chemicals. It is also easy to process with standard equipment including extrusion and injection molding and can be easily colored. In fact, MABS can be used to create exceptional brilliant visual effects such as strong and vivid colors as well as pearly or sparkle effects.

The properties of acrylic copolymers depend on their composition and morphology; the butadiene portion provides flexibility and high impact resistance whereas the methacrylate-SAN matrix provides strength, good dimensional stability, and creep resistance.

MABS is widely used in the household appliances and kitichen ware; consumer goods, automotive and packaging industries. Important applications include transparent and toughened toys, bathroom and kitchen ware, (computer) housings and covers, suitcases, cosmetic packaging, among many other items.

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1The refractive index of the plastic matrix and that of the rubber particles are adjusted to be equal so that MABS resins are fully transparent.
2The impact resistance of clear ABS outperforms those of polystyrene, SAN and PMMA.