What is MABS vs clear abs?
MABS stands for Methylmethacrylate Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is a transparent thermoplastic. It is actually an ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) modified by adding methyl methacrylate (MMA) to achieve transparency, while retaining some of the basic properties of ABS.
Clear ABS usually refers to this transparent ABS. In many polymer descriptions, “Clear ABS” is directly equated with MABS. This shows that in actual use, the two terms refer to the same material.
MABS achieves its transparency through MMA’s enhanced refractive index matching and compatibility, along with the optimized particle size and distribution of the butadiene rubber phase. This unique combination of properties makes MABS ideal for applications such as transparent enclosures for electronics, medical devices like syringes, automotive interior components, and cosmetic packaging. These applications require materials that offer transparency, mechanical durability, chemical resistance, and ease of processing—qualities that MABS’s structural characteristics are perfectly suited to provide.
What Makes ABS Clear: Modifications to Standard ABS
Standard ABS is naturally opaque due to its complex polymer structure consisting of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene components. The butadiene rubber particles, which provide impact resistance, scatter light and create opacity. To achieve transparency in ABS, manufacturers employ several key modifications:
Chemical Composition Adjustments
Clear acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is created by altering the standard ABS formulation. Manufacturers typically reduce the butadiene content and increase the proportion of styrene and acrylonitrile. This modification minimizes light scattering while maintaining structural integrity. Some formulations incorporate methyl methacrylate (MMA) to enhance transparency, creating a hybrid polymer sometimes referred to as MABS (Methyl Methacrylate Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
Processing Techniques
Beyond chemical modifications, specialized processing techniques contribute to achieving transparency in ABS. Controlled cooling rates during injection molding help prevent crystallization that would otherwise reduce clarity. Additionally, the use of nucleating agents promotes smaller, more uniform crystal structures that allow greater light transmission through the material. Some manufacturers also employ proprietary additives that enhance the refractive properties of the polymer matrix.
supply Various Grades of MABS pellets
| Grade No. | Manufacturer | Melt Flow (g/10 min) | IZOD Impact Notched (kJ/m²) | Properties | Application |
| TR557 | LG Chem | 21 | 16.5 | DOWNLOAD | Electrical and electronic applications |
| TR558 | LG Chem | 25 | 12.5 | DOWNLOAD | General Purpose, electronics |
| TR580 | LG Chem | 2.5 | 8 | DOWNLOAD | used in electrical and electronic, daily necessities and other fields |
| TR556 | LG Chem | 5 | 19.5 | DOWNLOAD | Suitable for sound – insulating walls, awnings, other transparent sheets |
| BF-0370 | Lotte Chemical | 15 | 11 | DOWNLOAD | General – purpose material mainly used in electrical appliances |
| BF-0670T | Lotte Chemical | 24 | 7.4 | DOWNLOAD | General – purpose material used in electrical/electronic applications in multiple regions |
| BF-0677HF | Lotte Chemical | 19 | 10 | DOWNLOAD | used in electrical appliances, electrical/electronic applications |
| TX – 0550K | Lotte Chemical | 27 | 0.0167 | DOWNLOAD | Home Appliances |
| PA-758R | Chi Mei | 2.2 | 16 | DOWNLOAD | High impact, automotive parts, housings |
| PA-726M | Chi Mei | 21 | 20 | DOWNLOAD | Medical grade, healthcare applications |
| 920 555 U | Toyolac | 21 | 9 | DOWNLOAD | High heat resistance, consumer electronics |
| 900 X88 | Toyolac | 26 | 12 | DOWNLOAD | High heat resistance, household appliances |
| PA-758 | Chi Mei | 3 | 16 | DOWNLOAD | General purpose, automotive, electronics |
| TERLUX 2802 | Ineos | 2 | 120 | DOWNLOAD | Applied in electronic device housings. |
| TERLUX 2812 | Ineos | 8 | 110 | DOWNLOAD | Utilized in consumer product manufacturing. |
| TERLUX 2802 TR Q434 | Ineos | 2.16 | N/A | DOWNLOAD | Used for making decorative items. |
| TERLUX 2812 Q434 | Ineos | 6 | 150 | DOWNLOAD | Used in automotive exterior details. |
| TERLUX HD 2802 | Ineos | 2 | 120 | DOWNLOAD | sed in industrial equipment casings. |
| TERLUX HD 2812 | Ineos | 8 | 110 | DOWNLOAD | Suitable for heavy – duty appliance components. |
We're here to meet all your MABS resin needs
Common Applications of Clear ABS Plastic
Medical Industry
- Diagnostic equipment housings requiring visibility of internal components
- Medical device prototypes where internal mechanism observation is necessary
- Laboratory equipment components that benefit from chemical resistance and transparency
- Fluid handling systems where flow visualization is important
Electronics Industry
- Consumer electronics enclosures with LED indicators or displays
- Transparent control panels and interface components
- Protective covers for displays and indicators
- Illuminated components where light diffusion is desired
Automotive Applications
- Instrument cluster lenses and gauge covers
- Illuminated control knobs and buttons
- Interior light diffusers and covers
- Prototype components for testing and demonstration
Explore Clear ABS for Your Application
MABS resin FAQs
How does the transparency of clear ABS compare to acrylic and polycarbonate?
Clear acrylonitrile butadiene styrene typically achieves 70-85% light transmission, which is lower than both acrylic (92%) and polycarbonate (85-90%). It may also exhibit a slight yellowish tint, particularly in thicker sections. However, for many applications where perfect optical clarity isn’t critical, clear ABS offers a good balance of transparency and mechanical properties.
Can clear ABS be used outdoors?
Standard clear ABS has poor UV resistance and will yellow and degrade when exposed to sunlight. For outdoor applications, UV-stabilized grades are available that significantly improve weatherability. However, even with UV stabilizers, clear ABS is generally not recommended for long-term outdoor exposure. For extended outdoor use, materials like ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) or polycarbonate offer better UV resistance.
Why MABS is Transparent
MABS (Methyl Methacrylate-Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene copolymer) is a transparent polymer created by blending MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) monomer into ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene copolymer). While ABS is typically opaque due to its butadiene rubber phase scattering light, the addition of MMA—the same monomer used in PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate, or acrylic), known for its clarity—transforms MABS into a transparent polymer. This transparency arises from three key structural features:
- Refractive Index Matching
MMA and the SAN (Styrene-Acrylonitrile) component of ABS have closely aligned refractive indices. When light travels through polymers with mismatched refractive indices, it scatters due to refraction and reflection at the interfaces. By matching the refractive indices of MMA and SAN, MABS minimizes this scattering, allowing light to pass through more evenly and enhancing transparency. - Enhanced Compatibility
MMA and SAN blend seamlessly due to their high compatibility, forming a uniform polymer. This homogeneity reduces microscopic phase separation, which could otherwise disrupt light transmission. By maintaining a consistent structure, MABS further decreases light scattering and boosts its clarity. - Optimized Butadiene Rubber Phase
In MABS, the butadiene rubber phase is finely controlled, with small particle sizes and even distribution. Smaller rubber particles scatter less light compared to the larger, irregular particles found in opaque ABS. This optimization preserves the polymer’s transparency.
MABS achieves its transparency through the strategic addition of MMA, which aligns the refractive indices with SAN, improves polymer compatibility, and refines the butadiene rubber phase to minimize light scattering. These combined effects make MABS a clear, high-performance polymer.
What is MABS and how is it different from regular ABS?
MABS stands for Methyl Methacrylate-Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene, a modified version of ABS that incorporates methyl methacrylate (MMA) for improved optical properties. Unlike standard ABS, MABS is transparent, making it suitable for applications that require visibility through the material, such as medical devices, cosmetic packaging, and household goods.
What are the key properties of MABS?
Transparency: Light transmittance up to 92%, depending on thickness and grade.
Impact resistance: Good toughness, comparable to or slightly lower than standard ABS.
Melt flow index (MFI): Typically ranges from 3 to 12 g/10min (230°C/3.8kg), depending on the grade.
Heat deflection temperature (HDT): Usually between 75°C to 95°C, which is slightly lower than standard ABS.
What are common processing methods for MABS?
MABS is mainly processed by injection molding and extrusion. It has similar processing conditions to standard ABS:
Melt temperature: 220–260°C
Mold temperature: 40–80°C
Drying: 2–4 hours at 80–90°C before processing to prevent moisture-related defects.
How does MABS perform under UV exposure?
MABS is less UV-resistant than PC or PMMA and may yellow over time if exposed to direct sunlight. UV-stabilized grades are available but are still recommended for indoor or low-UV environments.
What are the applications of MABS?
Transparent parts for toys, appliances, and electronic housings
Cosmetic packaging (bottles, caps, jars)
Medical devices (non-implantable, diagnostic equipment)
Transparent household products and stationery