Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Thermoplastic polymer}}
[[Image:ABS resin formula.PNG|right|frame|Monomers in ABS polymer]]
{{Infobox material
'''Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,''' or ABS, ([[chemical formula]] <math>\mathrm{(C_8H_8\cdot C_4H_6\cdot C_3H_3N)_x}</math>) is a common [[thermoplastic]] used to make light, rigid, moulded products such as pipes, golf club heads (used for its good [[shock absorbance]]), automotive body parts, enclosures and toys including [[LEGO]] bricks. It is a [[copolymer]] made by polymerizing [[styrene]] and [[acrylonitrile]] in the presence of [[polybutadiene]]. The proportions can vary from 15% to 35% acrylonitrile, 5% to 30% [[butadiene]] and 40% to 60% styrene. The result is a long chain of polybutadiene criss-crossed with shorter chains of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile). The [[nitrile]] groups from neighbouring chains, being polar, attract each other and bind the chains together, making ABS stronger than pure [[polystyrene]]. The styrene gives the plastic a shiny, impervious surface. The butadiene, a [[rubber]]y substance, provides resilience even at low [[temperature]]s. ABS can be used between -25°C and +60°C.
| name = Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
| density = 0.9–1.53{{nbsp}}g/cm<sup>3</sup>; median, 1.07{{nbsp}}g/cm<sup>3</sup>
| flammability = 1.00
| chem_res_acid_c = {{bg|#cfc|Good}}
| chem_res_acid_d = {{bg|#4f4|Excellent}}
| chem_res_alcohol = {{bg|#fcc|Poor}}
| chem_res_alkali = {{bg|#4f4|Excellent}}
| chem_res_aromatic = {{bg|#fcc|Poor}}
| chem_res_haloalkane = {{bg|#fcc|Poor}}
| thermal_conductivity = 0.1{{nbsp}}W/(m·K)
| linear_expansion = 12×10<sup>−5</sup>{{nbsp}}K<sup>−1</sup>
| dielectric strength =
| footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rtpcompany.com/technical-info/chemical-resistance/|title=Chemical & Environmental Resistance of Thermoplastics|website=rtpcompany.com|date=10 September 2013}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Citation|last=Peters|first=Edward N.|title=Plastics: Thermoplastics, Thermosets, and Elastomers|url=|work=Handbook of Materials Selection|volume=|pages=363–365|place=New York|publisher=John Wiley & Sons, Inc.}}</ref>
|chem_res_chlorinated solvents={{bg|#fcc|Poor}}|chem_res_ketone={{bg|#fcc|Poor}}|chem_res_ester={{bg|#fcc|Poor}}|chem_res_aldehyde={{bg|#fcc|Poor}}}}
{{Chembox
| Verifiedfields = changed
| Watchedfields = changed
| verifiedrevid = 477313541r767492
| Name = Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
| ImageFile1 = ABS Monomers V3.svg
| ImageCaption1 = [[Monomers]] in ABS polymer
| ImageFile2=ABS Propfcopolymer Ausschnitt.svg
| ImageCaption2=A subset of common crosslinking motifs in ABS
| ImageFile3=Grãos de plástico ABS (ABS plastic grains).jpg
| ImageCaption3=ABS polymer grains
|Section1={{Chembox Identifiers
| ChemSpiderID_Ref = {{chemspidercite|changed|chemspider}}
| ChemSpiderID = None
| CASNo_Ref = {{cascite|correct|CAS}}
| CASNo = 9003-56-9
| PubChem = 24756
}}
|Section2={{Chembox Properties
| Formula = (C<sub>8</sub>H<sub>8</sub>·C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>6</sub>·C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>3</sub>N)<sub>n</sub>
| MolarMass =
| Appearance =
| Density = 1.060–1.080{{nbsp}}g/cm<sup>3</sup><ref name=MATBASE>{{cite web|title=Matbase|url=http://www.matbase.com/material-categories/natural-and-synthetic-polymers/commodity-polymers/material-properties-of-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-general-purpose-gp-abs.html#properties|access-date=3 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617115106/http://www.matbase.com/material-categories/natural-and-synthetic-polymers/commodity-polymers/material-properties-of-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-general-purpose-gp-abs.html#properties|archive-date=17 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| MeltingPt =
| BoilingPt =
| Solubility = Insoluble in water
}}
|Section8={{Chembox Related
| OtherCompounds = [[Acrylonitrile]], [[butadiene]] and [[styrene]] (monomers)
}}
}}
 
'''Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene''' ('''ABS''') ([[chemical formula]] (C<sub>8</sub>H<sub>8</sub>)<sub>''x''</sub>·{{zwsp}}(C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>6</sub>)<sub>''y''</sub>·{{zwsp}}(C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>3</sub>N)<sub>''z''</sub> ) is a common [[thermoplastic]] polymer. Its [[glass transition]] temperature is approximately {{convert|105|°C}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Glass Transition of ABS in 3D Printing.|url=https://www.comsol.com/paper/download/361301/rahman_paper.pdf}}</ref> ABS is [[Amorphous solid|amorphous]] and therefore has no true melting point.
Production of 1 kg of ABS requires the equivalent of about 3 kg of [[petroleum|oil]] for raw materials and energy.
 
ABS is a [[copolymer|terpolymer]] made by polymerizing [[styrene]] and [[acrylonitrile]] in the presence of [[polybutadiene]]. The proportions can vary from 15% to 35% acrylonitrile, 5% to 30% [[butadiene]] and 40% to 60% styrene. The result is a long chain of polybutadiene crisscrossed with shorter chains of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile). The [[nitrile]] groups from neighboring chains, being polar, attract each other and bind the chains together, making ABS stronger than pure [[polystyrene]]. The acrylonitrile also contributes chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, hardness, and rigidity, while increasing the [[heat deflection temperature]]. The styrene gives the plastic a shiny, impervious surface, as well as hardness, rigidity, and improved processing ease. The polybutadiene, a [[rubber]]y substance, provides [[toughness]] and [[ductility]] at low temperatures, at the cost of heat resistance and rigidity.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|last=Peters|first=Edward N.|title=Plastics: Thermoplastics, Thermosets, and Elastomers|url=|work=Handbook of Materials Selection|volume=|pages=363–365|place=New York|publisher=John Wiley & Sons, Inc.}}</ref> For the majority of applications, ABS can be used between {{convert|−20|and|80|°C}}, as its mechanical properties vary with temperature.<ref name="Dynalab">[http://www.dynalabcorp.com/technical_info_abs.asp Plastic Properties of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515054832/http://www.dynalabcorp.com/technical_info_abs.asp |date=May 15, 2010 }}. Small table of ABS properties towards the bottom. Retrieved 7 May 2010.</ref> The properties are created by [[rubber toughening]], where fine particles of elastomer are distributed throughout the rigid matrix.
 
==Properties==
[[Category:Plastics]]
ABS provides favorable mechanical properties such as impact resistance, toughness, and rigidity when compared with other common polymers.<ref name=":0" /> A variety of modifications can be made to improve impact resistance, toughness, and heat resistance. The impact resistance can be amplified by increasing the proportions of polybutadiene in relation to styrene and also acrylonitrile, although this causes changes in other properties. Impact resistance does not fall off rapidly at lower temperatures. Stability under load is excellent with limited loads. Thus, by changing the proportions of its components, ABS can be prepared in different grades. Two major categories could be ABS for extrusion and ABS for injection molding, then high and medium impact resistance. Generally ABS would have useful characteristics within a temperature range from {{convert|-20|to|80|°C}}.<ref name="Dynalab" />
[[Category:Organic polymers]]
{{multiple image
| align = left
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Lego Color Bricks.jpg
| width1 = 175
| caption1 = [[Lego bricks]] are made from ABS.
| image2 = Citroën Méhari Nice IMG 1269.jpg
| width2 = 175
| caption2 = The [[Citroën Méhari]]'s body panels are made from ABS.
| image3 = Olivetti-Valentine.jpg
| width3 = 175
| caption3 = The [[Olivetti Valentine]], designed by [[Ettore Sottsass]] <!-- (This claim may not actually be true. Please see Talk page of Valentine article for further discussion.) , winner of the 1970 [[Compasso d'Oro]] -->
}}
 
The final properties will be influenced to some extent by the conditions under which the material is processed to the final product. For example, molding at a high temperature improves the gloss and heat resistance of the product whereas the highest impact resistance and strength are obtained by molding at low temperature. Fibers (usually glass fibers) and additives can be mixed in the [[synthetic resin|resin]] pellets to make the final product strong and raise the maximum operating temperature as high as {{convert|80|°C}}. Pigments can also be added, as the raw material's original color is translucent ivory to white. The aging characteristics of the polymers are largely influenced by the polybutadiene content, and it is normal to include [[antioxidant]]s in the composition. Other factors include exposure to [[Ultraviolet|ultraviolet radiation]], which additives are also available to protect against.
[[ar:ABS]]
 
[[bg:Акрилонитрил бутадиен стирол]]
ABS polymers are resistant to aqueous acids, alkalis, concentrated [[hydrochloric acid|hydrochloric]] and [[phosphoric acid|phosphoric]] acids and animal, vegetable and mineral oils, but they are swollen by [[glacial acetic acid]], [[carbon tetrachloride]] and [[Aromatic#Aromatic compound classifications|aromatic]] hydrocarbons and are attacked by concentrated [[sulfuric acid|sulfuric]] and [[nitric acid|nitric]] acids. They are soluble in [[esters]], [[ketones]] (such as acetone), [[chloroform]], and [[ethylene dichloride]].<ref>Benj Edwards [http://www.vintagecomputing.com/index.php/archives/189 Vintage Computing and Gaming | Archive » Why Super Nintendos Lose Their Color: Plastic Discoloration in Classic Machines]. Vintagecomputing. January 12, 2007</ref> They also offer poor resistance to chlorinated solvents, [[alcohols]] and aldehydes.<ref name=":0" />
[[da:ABS-plast]]
 
[[de:Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol-Copolymerisat]]
Even though ABS plastics are used largely for mechanical purposes, they also have electrical properties that are fairly constant over a wide range of frequencies. These properties are little affected by temperature and atmospheric humidity in the acceptable operating range of temperatures.<ref name="Harper">Harper C.A. (1975) ''Handbook of plastic and elastomers'', McGraw-Hill, New York, pp. 1–3, 1–62, 2–42, 3–1, {{ISBN|0070266816}}</ref>
[[fr:Acrylonitrile butadiène styrène]]
 
[[nl:Acrylonitril butadieen styreen]]
ABS is flammable when it is exposed to high temperatures, such as those of a wood fire. It will melt and then boil, at which point the vapors burst into intense, hot flames. Since pure ABS contains no [[halogens]], its combustion does not typically produce any [[persistent organic pollutants]], and the most toxic products of its combustion or pyrolysis are [[carbon monoxide]] and [[hydrogen cyanide]].<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Rutkowski | first1 = J. V. | last2 = Levin | first2 = B. C. | doi = 10.1002/fam.810100303 | title = Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS): Pyrolysis and combustion products and their toxicity?a review of the literature | journal = Fire and Materials | volume = 10 | issue = 3–4 | pages = 93 | year = 1986 | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1229170 }}</ref> ABS is also damaged by sunlight; this caused one of the most widespread and expensive automobile recalls in US history due to the degradation of the seatbelt release buttons.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Henshaw |first1=J. M. |last2=Wood |first2=V. |last3=Hall |first3=A. C. |title=Failure of automobile seat belts caused by polymer degradation |doi=10.1016/S1350-6307(98)00026-0 |journal=Engineering Failure Analysis |volume=6 |pages=13–25 |year=1999 |issue=1 }}</ref><ref name="balt-sun-recall">{{cite news |title=Belts recalled in 8.4 million vehicles |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1995/05/24/belts-recalled-in-84-million-vehicles/ |access-date=November 16, 2015 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |agency=Knight-Ridder News Service |date=May 24, 1995 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031042/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1995-05-24/news/1995144111_1_takata-buckles-vehicle-owners |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
ABS can be recycled, although it is not accepted by all recycling facilities.<ref>{{cite web|title=ABS Recycling |url=http://www.heathland.nl/abs-recycling.html |publisher=Heathland B.V. |access-date=2013-12-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306033349/http://www.heathland.nl/abs-recycling.html |archive-date=2014-03-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Recycling plastic|url=http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/environment-waste/rubbish-tips-and-bins/recycling-reducing-waste/recycling-at-home/recycling-plastic/index.htm|publisher=Brisbane City Council|access-date=2013-12-31}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=May 2020}}
 
===Mechanical properties===
ABS is one of many types of thermoplastic with biomedical applications, with injection-molded components being easy to manufacture for single use. It can be [[Sterilization (microbiology)|sterilized]] by [[gamma radiation]] or [[ethylene oxide]] (EtO).<ref name = ideal>{{cite web |url= https://www.medicaldesignandoutsourcing.com/these-common-thermoplastics-are-ideal-for-medical-device-injection-molding/ |title=These common thermoplastics are ideal for medical device injection molding |author=Nancy Crotti |website= MedicalDesign&Outsourcing |date=15 November 2019 |access-date=May 4, 2020}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+Typical mechanical properties of ABS<ref name=":0" />
!Property
!Value
|-
|[[Young's modulus]] (GPa)
|2.28
|-
|[[Tensile strength]] (MPa)
|43
|-
|Flexural modulus (GPa)
|2.48
|-
|Flexural strength (MPa)
|77
|-
|Notched Izod (kJ/m)
|0.203
|-
|Heat deflection temperature, 1.81 MPa, (C)
|81
|}
 
Yellowing in ABS plastic occurs when it is exposed to UV light or excessive heat, which causes [[photo-oxidation of polymers]] that breaks polymer chains and causes the plastic to yellow and become brittle.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Photodegradation and photostabilization of polymers, especially polystyrene: review|date=August 23, 2013|pmc=4320144|last1=Yousif|first1=E.|last2=Haddad|first2=R.|journal=SpringerPlus|volume=2|issue=1 |page=398|doi=10.1186/2193-1801-2-398|pmid=25674392 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
 
===Transparent ABS (MABS)===
Most ABS is opaque because its components have different refractive indices. Acrylonitrile and styrene make ABS stiff. Butadiene particles are elastic and make ABS impact resistant. Adding [[methyl methacrylate]] (MMA) helps to bring the refractive indices closer together, making it transparent, while reducing the product's impact resistance compared to impact grades of ABS. However, the resulting MABS product can still outperform polystyrene, [[Styrene-acrylonitrile resin|SAN]] and [[Poly(methyl methacrylate)|PMMA]] (acrylic) for impact resistance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Transparent ABS can be a clear winner |author=Charlie Geddes |date=11 May 2014 |publisher=Hardie Polymers |url=https://www.hardiepolymers.com/knowledge/transparent-abs-can-be-a-clear-winner/ |access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=List of Transparent Plastic Materials: Polymer Transparency Detail Info |url=https://omnexus.specialchem.com/tech-library/article/comprehensive-list-of-transparent-polymers |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=omnexus.specialchem.com |language=en}}</ref>
 
==Production==
ABS is derived from [[acrylonitrile]], [[butadiene]], and [[styrene]]. Acrylonitrile is a synthetic monomer produced from [[propylene]] and [[ammonia]]; butadiene is a petroleum hydrocarbon obtained from the C4 fraction of [[steam cracking]]; styrene monomer is made by [[dehydrogenation]] of [[ethylbenzene]], a hydrocarbon obtained in the reaction of [[ethylene]] and [[benzene]].
 
According to the European plastic trade association PlasticsEurope, industrial production of {{convert|1|kg|abbr=on}} of ABS resin in Europe uses an average of {{convert|95.34|MJ|kW.h|abbr=on|lk=on}} and is derived from [[natural gas]] and [[petroleum]].<ref>{{cite tech report|last=Boustead|first=I|title=Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Copolymer (ABS)|date=March 2005|url=http://www.plasticseurope.org/plastics-sustainability/eco-profiles/browse-by-flowchart.aspx?LCAID=r306|institution=PlasticsEurope|series=Eco-profiles of the European Plastics Industry|access-date=2013-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530132721/http://www.plasticseurope.org/plastics-sustainability/eco-profiles/browse-by-flowchart.aspx?LCAID=r306|archive-date=2011-05-30|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Hammond | first1 = G. P. | last2 = Jones | first2 = C. I. | doi = 10.1680/ener.2008.161.2.87 | title = Embodied energy and carbon in construction materials | journal = Proceedings of the ICE - Energy | volume = 161 | issue = 2 | pages = 87 | year = 2008 | bibcode = 2008ICEE..161...87H | s2cid = 55741822 | url = http://opus.bath.ac.uk/12382/1/Hammond_%26_Jones_Embodied_energy_%26_carbon_Proc_ICE%2DEnergy_2008_161(2)_87%2D98.pdf }}</ref>
 
==Machining==
ABS is manufactured in a variety of grades, but for precision machining of ABS structural parts, it is recommended to use Machine Grade ABS. Machine Grade ABS is easily machined via standard techniques, including turning, drilling, milling, and sawing. ABS parts can be welded together by heating the joint surfaces until they begin to melt; reinforcement can be applied to such a joint by melting a thin ABS rod. ABS parts can also be chemically affixed to each other, and to other sufficiently similar plastics, by means of solvents.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interstateplastics.com/ABS-sheets-rods.php |title=ABS Plastic Sheet, Rod, Tube and Accessories |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Interstate Plastics |access-date=September 23, 2016}}</ref>
 
== Applications ==
[[File:ABS Printed Bell on Makerbot ThingOMatic.jpg|thumb|upright|An ABS bell manufactured with a [[3D printing|3D printer]]]]
 
ABS was patented in 1948 and introduced to commercial markets by the [[Borg-Warner Corporation]] in 1954.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/science/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-copolymer|title = Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer &#124; chemical compound &#124; Britannica| date=24 November 2023 }}</ref>
 
ABS's light weight and ability to be [[injection molding|injection molded]] and extruded make it useful in manufacturing products such as [[Drain-waste-vent system|drain-waste-vent]] (DWV) pipe systems. Musical instruments such as plastic [[Recorder (musical instrument)|recorders]], [[oboe]]s, and [[clarinet]]s, and some parts for piano actions, are commonly made out of ABS, as are computer keyboard keycaps.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_construction |title = Keycap Construction: ABS |date = September 2014 |website = Deskthority}}</ref>
 
Other uses include golf club heads (because of its good shock absorbance), automotive trim components, automotive bumper bars, [[binoculars]] and [[monocular]]s, inhalers, [[nebulizer]]s,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-abs-plastic |title=Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and its Features |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Omnexus |access-date=May 4, 2020}}</ref> non-absorbable sutures, tendon prostheses, drug-delivery systems tracheal tubes,<ref name = ideal/> enclosures for electrical and electronic assemblies (such as [[computer case]]s), protective headgear, whitewater canoes, buffer edging for furniture and joinery panels, luggage and protective carrying cases, pen housings, and small kitchen appliances. Toys, including [[LEGO]] (Lego bricks have primarily been made from ABS since 1963<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lipkowitz |first=Daniel |title=The LEGO Book - Volume 1 |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |year=2009 |isbn=9781405341691 |edition=1st |___location=London |pages=21 |language=English}}</ref>) and [[Kre-O]] bricks, are a common application.<ref>[http://designinsite.dk/htmsider/m0007.htm ABS – acrylonitrile butadiene styrene] on Designsite.dk, lists applications. Retrieved 27 October 2006.</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=May |first1=James |title=James May's Toy Stories |year=2009 |publisher=Conway |___location=London |isbn=978-1-84486-107-1 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/jamesmaystoystor0000mayj}}</ref>
 
ABS plastic ground down to an average diameter of less than 1&nbsp;[[micrometre|micrometer]] is used as the colorant in some [[tattoo ink]]s.<ref>{{citation | author=Kennedy, C.T.C. | chapter=Mechanical and Thermal Injury | editor=Tony Burns | title=Rook's Textbook of Dermatology | edition=8th | volume=2 | year=2010 | publisher=Wiley-Blackwell | page=28.48 |display-authors=etal |display-editors=etal}}</ref>
 
=== 3D printing ===
When extruded into a [[3D printing filament|filament]], ABS plastic is a common material used in [[3D printing|3D printers]],<ref>{{cite web |title=The Free Beginner's Guide |url=http://3dprintingindustry.com/3d-printing-basics-free-beginners-guide/materials/ |website=www.3dprintingindustry.com |publisher=3D Printing Industry |access-date=30 May 2016}}</ref> as it is cheap, strong, has high stability and can be post-processed in various ways (sanding, painting, gluing, filling and chemical smoothing). When being used in a 3D printer, ABS is known to warp due to shrinkage that occurs while cooling during the printing process. The shrinking can be reduced by printing inside an enclosure on a heated print surface, using an adhesive such as a glue stick or hairspray to ensure the first layer of the print is well stuck to the print surface, or printing with a brim/raft at the base of the print to help increase adhesion to the print surface.<ref>[https://all3dp.com/2/how-to-prevent-abs-from-warping-on-a-heated-bed/ ABS Print Warping: How to Stop It], Hironori Kondo, September 2021.</ref> ABS is only used in [[Fused filament fabrication|FFF/FDM]] 3D printers, as resin 3D printers cannot melt plastic.
 
Particular forms of ABS filaments are ABS-ESD (electrostatic discharge) and ABS-FR (fire resistant), which are used in particular for the production of electrostatically sensitive components and refractory prefabricated parts.
 
==== Pens ====
ABS plastic is also used in the [[Manufacturing|manufacture]] of the iconic [[Lamy]] Safari fountain pen due to its hard and relative [[Strength of materials|strength]].
 
==Hazard to humans==
ABS is stable to decomposition under normal use and polymer processing conditions. Exposure to [[carcinogen]]s due to normal use and processing is well below workplace exposure limits.<ref name="Airborne emissions of carcinogens">{{cite journal | last = Unwin | first= John | title = Airborne emissions of carcinogens and respiratory sensitizers during thermal processing of plastics | journal = Annals of Occupational Hygiene | volume = 57 | issue= 3 | pages = 399–406 | date=2013 | doi=10.1093/annhyg/mes078| pmid= 23091110 | doi-access= free }}</ref> However, if the temperature reaches 400&nbsp;°C (750&nbsp;°F), ABS can decompose into its constituents: [[butadiene]] (carcinogenic to humans), [[acrylonitrile]] (carcinogenic to humans), and [[styrene]] (reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen).<ref name="Airborne emissions of carcinogens" />
 
[[Ultrafine particle]]s (UFPs) may be produced at lower temperatures (such as in 3D printing).<ref name="AzimiZhao2016">{{cite journal|last1=Azimi|first1=Parham|last2=Zhao|first2=Dan|last3=Pouzet|first3=Claire|last4=Crain|first4=Neil E.|last5=Stephens|first5=Brent|title=Emissions of Ultrafine Particles and Volatile Organic Compounds from Commercially Available Desktop Three-Dimensional Printers with Multiple Filaments|journal=Environmental Science & Technology|volume=50|issue=3|year=2016|pages=1260–1268|issn=0013-936X|doi=10.1021/acs.est.5b04983|pmid=26741485|bibcode=2016EnST...50.1260A|doi-access=free}}</ref> Concerns have been raised regarding airborne UFP concentrations generated while 3D printing with ABS, as UFPs have been linked with adverse health effects, some of which may result from tissue obstruction in the kidneys, lungs, and intestines caused by a buildup of UFPs.<ref name="ultrafine particle emissions">{{cite journal | last = Stephens | first = Brent | title = Ultrafine particle emissions from desktop 3D printers | journal = Atmospheric Environment | volume = 79 | date = November 2013 | pages = 334–339 | doi=10.1016/j.atmosenv.2013.06.050| bibcode = 2013AtmEn..79..334S | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Sana |first1=Siva Sankar |last2=Dogiparthi |first2=Lakshman Kumar |last3=Gangadhar |first3=Lekshmi |last4=Chakravorty |first4=Arghya |last5=Abhishek |first5=Nalluri |date= September 2020 |title=Effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on marine environment and human health |url=https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11356-020-10573-x |journal=Environmental Science and Pollution Research |language=en |volume=27 |issue=36 |pages=44743–44756 |doi=10.1007/s11356-020-10573-x |pmid=32876819 |bibcode=2020ESPR...2744743S |s2cid=221400929 |issn=0944-1344 |via=Springer Link|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
 
==See also==
{{Portal|Manufacturing}}
* [[Polylactic acid]] (PLA) – another plastic used for 3D printing
* [[Retrobright]] – a process for reversing the yellowing of white ABS plastic casings
 
== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=35em}}
 
==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070504020850/http://machinist-materials.com/comparison_table_for_plastics.htm Comparisons of many physical properties with other plastics]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140122070657/http://www.absplastic.eu/pla-abs-plastic-pros-and-cons/ Comparison between ABS and PLA for 3D Printing]
 
{{Plastics}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene}}
[[Category:Copolymers]]
[[Category:Plastics]]
[[Category:Thermoplastics]]
[[Category:Engineering plastic]]