Applications of ABS plastic in the automotive industry

ABS plastic is a polymer obtained through graft copolymerization of butadiene rubber with styrene and acrylonitrile monomers. In this polymer, A stands for acrylonitrile, B stands for butadiene, and S stands for styrene. To meet the diverse performance requirements of different applications, researchers have enriched the variety of ABS plastics by adjusting polymerization methods, process conditions, monomer ratios, and the structural parameters of the rubber component.

According to impact strength, ABS plastic can be classified into ultra-high-impact, high-impact, and medium-impact grades. By molding and processing method, it can be further subdivided into several varieties, including injection-molding grade, extrusion grade, calendering grade, vacuum-forming grade, and blow-molding grade. Moreover, based on its applications and performance characteristics, ABS plastic can be further divided into 10 categories, such as general-purpose, heat-resistant, electroplating, flame-retardant, transparent, extruded-sheet, and pipe-grade types. Among these, the general-purpose injection-molding grade of ABS plastic has the largest market share.

The car dashboard is both an essential functional component and a decorative element of the vehicle. If made from steel sheet, not only is the cost high, but it also requires more than ten processing steps, including cutting, stamping, drilling, and painting. In contrast, dashboards made from ABS plastic can be completed in a single injection molding or blow-molding process.

Low-density ABS plastic

Automotive interiors are increasingly focusing on low-VOC performance to improve in-car air quality. Small-molecule organic volatile compounds in plastics tend to migrate to the surface of plastic products and then evaporate into the air inside the vehicle, posing health risks to drivers and passengers.

By selecting the appropriate substrate, using suitable modification methods, and employing proper processing techniques, it is possible to meet the ABS data requirements of automotive manufacturers.

Low-odor ABS materials are primarily used in interior components such as door trim panels, instrument panel decorative frames, glove boxes, central control consoles, and air-conditioning vents—particularly in parts that need to withstand higher temperatures and direct airflow, such as air-conditioning vents.

Heat-resistant ABS

Regarding the requirements for certain high-temperature components, the heat resistance of ABS also urgently needs to be improved. A common method for enhancing the heat resistance of ABS is to blend it with PC, thereby creating an ABS/PC alloy.

Heat-resistant ABS is commonly used to manufacture heat-resistant components such as air-conditioning vents and radiator grilles. Among these, radiator grilles not only enhance the material’s heat resistance but also effectively prevent component deformation, thereby avoiding localized peeling of the electroplated layer caused by such deformation. Moreover, these grilles are typically made from either ABS or ASA materials. Given that car door panels have large surface areas and must exhibit excellent impact resistance, PC/ABS alloys are often employed for this purpose as well. Similarly, the fenders of high-end vehicles are frequently crafted from ABS/PC alloys.

Matte ABS

The intense light reflection inside the vehicle will create a glare for the driver.

Not suitable

Fatigue can impair drivers' night vision. Therefore, matte ABS is widely used in automotive cabin components. Since ABS is a high-brightness engineering plastic, during the modification process, it is advisable to select resin grades with relatively lower brightness and a broader molecular weight distribution, and to use flaky or needle-shaped fillers with larger particle sizes. This approach can improve the surface roughness of the finished product, thereby scattering light and achieving an anti-glare effect.

Electroplating-grade ABS

Although ABS offers superior visual appeal, pursuing even better aesthetic effects often requires eliminating surface finishing treatments such as electroplating and painting on ABS.

After adding a certain amount of rubber, electroplating-grade ABS can effectively inhibit the progression of information polarity changes. Electroplating-grade ABS is primarily used in radiator grilles, decorative badges, and other components.

One of the major challenges in the plasticization of automobiles is the plasticization of exterior body panels. These panels—including front and rear fenders, bulkheads, and fascias—account for the largest data volume and place stringent demands on the materials’ impact resistance, heat resistance, and rigidity. An alloy of ABS resin and engineering plastics perfectly meets these requirements and can be used entirely as a material for exterior body panels. Moreover, interior automotive components play a crucial role in enhancing both comfort and safety within the vehicle. Most modern car interior trim panels are manufactured using an integrated molding process, offering a luxurious and aesthetically pleasing appearance; typically, ABS resin serves as the primary material for these components.