Early Development of Copolymers
1. Background and Early Developments:
- The concept of creating copolymers, materials made from two or more different monomers, emerged in the early 20th century as chemists sought to develop new materials with specific properties. The combination of different monomers allowed for the tailoring of the physical and chemical properties of the resulting polymers.
Development of ABS
2. Initial Discoveries and Formulations:
- 1940s: The early development of ABS began with research into combining different monomers to produce a plastic with a balance of hardness, impact resistance, and toughness. ABS is made by polymerizing acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Each component contributes specific properties:
- Acrylonitrile: Provides chemical resistance and hardness.
- Butadiene: Contributes toughness and impact resistance.
- Styrene: Offers rigidity and processability.