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acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene

acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene

8.1
A strong, light plastic used for car parts and appliance cases
  • noun
  • /ˌækrɪloʊˈnaɪtraɪl bjuˈtædiˌin ˈstaɪrin/
  • Specialized
translation icon : acrilonitrilo-butadieno-estireno
  • Many electronic housings use acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene because it resists impact and heat.

Examples

  • Modern LEGO bricks are constructed with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene for a consistent feel and fit.

  • The dashboard is made from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene due to its strength and durability.

  • The car's body is made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.

  • Many manufacturers prefer acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene for its durability.

  • The car's body was constructed from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene for improved durability and lightness.

  • Manufacturers often choose acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene for appliance casings due to its toughness.

  • In toy production, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene is favored for its strong yet lightweight properties.

Synonyms

ABS
vsacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
  • Specialized
7 3.7

A strong, hard plastic that companies make into car parts and computer cases

is the same material name but written in full rather than as an abbreviation

How Tough

steel
536 1.4
aluminum
  • US
143 2.6
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
  • Specialized
8.1
polycarbonate
  • Specialized
5.1
polyethylene
  • Specialized
5 6.1
Styrofoam
  • US
31 3.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene = acrylonitrile + butadiene + styrene (transparent) = acrylonitrile + butadiene + styrene

The compound name is a straightforward listing of its constituent monomers, indicating a copolymer made from those three components.

Etymology

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene is made by joining the three chemicals that make the plastic: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, so the name reads like a short 'recipe' and is often shortened to ABS. Each part gives a useful quality, so ABS is a tough, light plastic used for car bodies, appliance cases, and toys like LEGO.