
PC/ABS
Combines impact resistance and heat resistance, ideal for optical applications and housings with high mechanical strength.

Abbreviation
PC/ABS
Molecular formula
C₁₆H₁₄O₃
CAS no.
25037-45-0
General description
Polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) is an innovative polymer blend that combines the strengths of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The material offers excellent impact resistance and heat resistance, making it ideal for optical applications, housings and aesthetic plastic products. Its ease of colouring and processability are key advantages.
The combination of the two materials enables the development of specific properties that require high mechanical strength. Even at low temperatures, PC/ABS remains resistant and offers excellent dimensional stability.
In addition, it offers high heat resistance (+95 °C to +125 °C) and low moisture absorption, making it suitable for precise and aesthetically demanding industrial applications.
PC/ABS offers
Excellent impact resistance
PC/ABS offers exceptional impact resistance that surpasses many conventional plastics, even at low temperatures.
Very good heat resistance
PC/ABS has moderate heat resistance, making it ideal for applications with high thermal requirements.
High processability
PC/ABS can be easily coloured and printed, making it perfect for aesthetic plastic products and significantly improving its workability compared to other plastics.
Properties of PC/ABS
Thermal properties
PC/ABS has outstanding temperature resistance, enabling it to withstand temperatures of up to +120 °C in continuous applications and up to +145 °C for short periods. It retains high impact strength even at temperatures as low as -40 °C, making the material suitable for extremely cold environments. The electrical insulation properties of PC/ABS also ensure stable performance even in the presence of moisture, underlining its suitability for use in humid or variable climatic conditions.
Mechanical properties
The PC/ABS blend is known for its remarkable stiffness and strength, which make the material impact-resistant, dimensionally stable, break-resistant and creep-resistant. Low moisture absorption minimises shrinkage and stress cracking, allowing structures to retain their dimensional stability. In addition, the special surface quality achieved through specific coatings enables the production of scratch-resistant and glossy surfaces that are both visually appealing and functionally impressive.
Chemical resistance
PC/ABS offers chemical resistance to a wide range of substances, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, weak acids – both mineral and organic – as well as oils, fats, diluted acids and ethanol. However, the material is less resistant to bases and aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones and esters. For applications in environments with high UV exposure, stabilisers or special films are required to optimise the UV resistance of PC/ABS.
Specific properties
PC/ABS offers versatile processing techniques and can be easily moulded using standard methods such as injection moulding on all thermoplastic machines. This facilitates the production of high-quality plastic parts. Surface finishing options, such as easy printing, chrome plating and painting, open up flexible design options for aesthetically demanding products and enable adaptation to a wide range of design requirements.
Processing instructions
Areas of application for PC/ABS
Electronics: PC/ABS is frequently used in the electronics industry, particularly for housings and moulded parts. The polymer is characterised by perfect surface quality and easy processing, which is crucial for the manufacture of electronic components. Its high impact strength and electrical insulation properties make PC/ABS ideal for safely encasing and protecting sensitive electronics.
Automotive: PC/ABS components are particularly sought after in the automotive sector due to their excellent toughness and the possibility of producing glossy surfaces. These properties ensure the durability and aesthetics of vehicle parts, which must remain functional under changing conditions. The material's stability under temperature changes ensures the longevity of automotive components.
Household appliances: PC/ABS is ideal for the production of household products due to its robustness and temperature resistance. This ensures that appliances and parts remain functional even with regular use and under thermal stress. The material's processability also allows for easy design and adaptation to the design specifications of modern household appliances.

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