August 27, 2007 - Last week the most frequently searched item on The Plastics Web® was ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).  In addition the more than 4,400 ABS datasheets available in Prospector, IDES offers two more resources with additional information.  The first is the Generics Family section of the IDES website and the other is a page highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of ABS. There are more than 4,400 ABS grades available worldwide, 3,009 from North America, 2,194 from Europe and 1,784 from the Pacific Rim.  Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene was first discovered during World War II when its basis, SBR, was used for alternatives to rubber. Commercially ABS first became available in the early 1950's in an attempt to obtain the best properties of both polystyrene and styrene acrylonitrile. This material is a terpolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. Usual compositions are about half styrene with the balance divided between butadiene and acrylonitrile. Considerable variation is, of course, possible resulting in many different grades of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene with a wide range of features and applications. In addition, many blends with other materials such as polyvinylchloride, polycarbonates and polysulfones have been developed. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene materials can be processed by any of the standard thermoplastic processing methods .  ABS has Excellent impact resistance. It can have good appearance for cosmetic parts. Strength is moderate. Good resistance to acids and bases.