ABS vs PP (Polypropylene): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
ABS vs PP (Polypropylene)
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.
PP (Polypropylene)
Polypropylene is the most produced plastic globally by volume. Semi-crystalline thermoplastic with excellent chemical resistance, low density (0.90–0.91 g/cm³ — lightest engineering plastic, floats in water), good fatigue resistance (living hinges) and low cost. Available as homopolymer (higher stiffness) and copolymer (better impact). Trade names: Moplen (LyondellBasell), Sabic PP (SABIC), Borealis PP. Used for packaging, automotive bumpers/interiors, medical devices, piping, hinges, containers, textiles (nonwoven) and household goods.
| ABS | PP (Polypropylene) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 10350 | ISO 1873 |
Chemical composition (wt%) — Pro
| Element | ABS | PP (Polypropylene) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile | 15–35% | — | — |
| Butadiene | 5–30% | — | — |
| Styrene | 40–60% | — | — |
| Base Polymer (Polypropylene) | — | 99–99.9% | — |
Mechanical properties — Pro
| Property | ABS | PP (Polypropylene) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 38–50 | — | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 40–48 | — | MPa |
| Elongation | 10–30 | — | % |
| 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) | |||
| Charpy Impact (notched, 23°C) | |||
| Charpy Impact (notched, -20°C) | |||
| Melting Point | |||
| HDT/A (1.8 MPa) |
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Sign up free — 3 comparisons/day freeCompatibility Assessment
ABS and PP (Polypropylene) have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABS the same as PP (Polypropylene)?
ABS and PP (Polypropylene) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace ABS with PP (Polypropylene)?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between ABS and PP (Polypropylene)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. ABS is a Polymers grade, while PP (Polypropylene) is a Polymers grade.
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
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