Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Organic peroxides for the production of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Overview
ABS combines the properties of three components: it is heat-resistant, chemically stable, and offers a balance between hardness, flexibility, and toughness. Additionally, it can be easily molded due to its thermoplastic nature. ABS is widely used in industries such as mechanical engineering, electronics, defense, automotive, and aerospace. The choice of the correct type and amount of peroxide initiator is important to determine the melt flow index, impact strength, and tensile strength of ABS resins.
Process Window
Choosing an initiator starts from the operating window, not from a product name. The table below gives the stages where an organic peroxide does work in this process, and what it has to do at each one.
| Stage | Temperature | Duration | Initiator requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emulsion polymerisation of styrene-butadiene rubber | 5-15 °C (cold) | 8-14 h | A redox initiator system that generates radicals at low temperature, where thermal decomposition would be far too slow. |
| Grafting / ABS graft stage | 60-80 °C | 2-4 h | Thermal initiator matched to graft temperature; half-life should give full conversion within the graft cycle. |
| Suspension or bulk polymerisation of the SAN matrix | 90-120 °C | 3-6 h | Higher-temperature initiator that avoids residual monomer while preserving optical clarity. |
Grade Selection by Stage
Each grade below fits a specific stage of the window above. Half-life and SADT values are the manufacturer figures for the undiluted grade.
Classic cold-rubber hydroperoxide for the 5-15 °C redox system.
- 0.1 hour
- 176℃
- 1 hour
- 151℃
- 10 hours
- 128℃
- SADT
- 80℃
- Typical dose
- 0.05-0.15 phr with Fe-dextrose reductant
Lower-odour hydroperoxide alternative in SBR redox systems.
- 0.1 hour
- 202℃
- 1 hour
- 183℃
- 10 hours
- 165℃
- SADT
- 75℃
- Typical dose
- 0.05-0.15 phr
Medium-temperature initiator for the graft stage (10h t½ 73 °C).
- 1 hour
- 100℃
- 10 hours
- 73℃
- SADT
- 35℃
- Typical dose
- 0.05-0.20 phr
For the SAN matrix at higher temperatures.
- 1 hour
- 135℃
- 10 hours
- 117℃
- SADT
- 75℃
- Typical dose
- 0.02-0.08 phr
Procurement & Handling
- HS code
- 2909.60 / 2915.90 (confirm per grade)
- Transport class
- UN 3105-3110, Class 5.2; hydroperoxides are UN 3109 where applicable
- Packaging
- Aqueous hydroperoxide solutions in 25 kg or 200 kg PE drums
- Storage
- Below 25 °C, out of direct sunlight; hydroperoxides need iron-free containers
- Minimum order
- 25 kg trial, 1 t commercial
Common Questions
Why is a redox system needed for cold SBR polymerisation?
Which hydroperoxide should I choose, PMHP or TAHP?
Do you provide the reductant as well?
Our Advantages
We ensure strict quality control throughout every stage of production, carefully monitoring impurity levels and balancing active ingredients. Whether you need high- or low-temperature peroxide initiators, our tailored solutions meet your specific production needs. As the first organic peroxide research and manufacturing company in China, we have nearly 60 years of expertise, with a production capacity of up to 20,000 tons annually. Additionally, many of our products are REACH-certified, ensuring compliance with the highest international standards.
