ABS vs ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate): 75% composition overlap. Some similarities but notable differences in alloying elements.
ABS vs ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate)
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene — the most widely used amorphous engineering/commodity thermoplastic. Excellent balance of toughness, rigidity, and processability. Good surface finish and paintability. Not UV-stable without additives. Trade names include Novodur (INEOS Styrolution), Terluran (INEOS), Cycolac (SABIC). Used for automotive interior trim, appliance housings (vacuum cleaners, monitors), LEGO bricks, 3D printing filament, and pipe fittings.
ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate)
UV-resistant alternative to ABS — acrylic rubber replaces butadiene for excellent weatherability. Retains color and gloss outdoors for years without coating. Similar mechanical properties to ABS but with 10× better UV resistance. Trade names: Luran S (BASF/INEOS), Geloy (SABIC). Used for automotive exterior trim, outdoor electrical housings, garden furniture, and building cladding.
| ABS | ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 6402 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | ABS | ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile | 15–35% | 20–30% | OK |
| Butadiene | 5–30% | — | — |
| Styrene | 40–60% | 40–60% | OK |
| Acrylate Elastomer | — | 15–30% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | ABS | ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 38–50 | 40–55 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 40–48 | — | MPa |
| Elongation | 10–30 | 15–35 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | |||
| Density | |||
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) | |||
| Tensile Strength | |||
| Tensile Modulus | |||
| Elongation at Break | |||
| Charpy Impact (notched) | |||
| Density | |||
| HDT/B (0.45 MPa) | |||
| Vicat Softening Temp | |||
| Water Absorption (24h) |
Sign up free and get 3 full comparisons immediately.
Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
ABS and ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate) share some characteristics (75% overlap) but have notable differences. They may be substitutable in some applications but not all. Verify suitability carefully.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABS the same as ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate)?
ABS and ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate) have a 75% composition overlap. For most purposes, they can be considered similar.
Can I replace ABS with ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate)?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (75%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between ABS and ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. ABS is a Polymers grade, while ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate) is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.