Product Overview
MBS (MMA-Butadiene-Styrene) impact modifiers are mainly used in indoor rigid clear and opaque PVC products.It provides excellent impact strength in non-weatherable applications, such as PVC sheets, films(pharmaceutical packaging or consumer products packaging), PVC pipe fittings and PVC card products.
Key Characteristics
Category |
Key Characteristics |
Additional Notes |
Basic Concept |
1.Full Name: Methacrylate-Butadiene-Styrene Copolymer 2.Structure: Ternary copolymer of MMA, butadiene (rubber phase), and styrene 3.Phase-separated structure: Rubber particles (5-50 nm) dispersed in a rigid matrix |
Core feature: Rubber phase (butadiene) combined with rigid plastic phase (MMA/styrene). Particle size control affects toughening efficiency. |
Physical Properties |
1.Appearance: White or pale yellow granules/powder 2.Transparency: Compatible with PVC, maintains clarity 3.Thermal stability: Resists temperatures ≤200°C 4.Density: 1.07-1.12 g/cm³ 5.Glass transition temperature (Tg): Butadiene phase (-80°C), styrene phase (80-100°C) |
Prolonged high temperatures may cause decomposition. Wide Tg range provides low-temperature flexibility (butadiene) and high-temperature rigidity (styrene). |
Mechanism |
1.Toughening principle: Elastic rubber phase dispersed in rigid matrix ("sea-island structure") 2.Energy absorption: Rubber deformation dissipates impact energy 3.Stress whitening: Microcracks in impact zones scatter light, causing whitening |
Stress concentration dispersion inhibits crack propagation. Reversible whitening may occur in some transparent materials after force removal. |
Applications |
1.PVC products: Transparent films, bottle caps, sheets 2.Engineering plastics: Toughening PC, PET, ABS (requires compatibility adjustment) 3.Specialized uses: Medical tubing (biocompatibility), electronic housings (anti-static modification) |
PVC dominates applications; compatibility testing is critical for engineering plastics. Medical-grade MBS requires FDA certification. |
Pros & Cons |
Advantages: 1.High impact resistance + transparency 2.Easy processing/dispersibility Disadvantages: 1.Poor weatherability (butadiene double-bond oxidation) 2.Softens at high temperatures 3.Hygroscopicity: Mild moisture absorption (pre-dry before processing) 4.Chemical inertness: Resists weak acids/bases but degrades in strong oxidizers |
Outdoor use requires UV stabilizers/antioxidants. Replace with ACR/ASA for high-temperature environments. Storage humidity ≤50% recommended. |
Application Guide
I. Packaging Applications
1. Transparent PVC Food Packaging Film
Requirements: High transparency, impact resistance, food safety compliance.
Formulation:
PVC resin (K-value 67) 100 parts
MBS (8-12 parts)
Organotin thermal stabilizer (1.5 parts)
Epoxidized soybean oil (plasticizer, 3 parts)
Calcium stearate (lubricant, 0.3 parts)
Process:
Twin-screw extrusion granulation (160-180°C) → Casting (roll temperature 80°C).
Performance:
Light transmittance ≥90%, haze ≤3%
Dart impact strength (ASTM D1709) ≥300g
2. PET Beverage Bottle Caps
Requirements: Low-temperature toughness (refrigeration), crack resistance.
Formulation:
PET resin (intrinsic viscosity 0.8 dl/g) 100 parts
MBS (6-8 parts)
Sodium benzoate (nucleating agent, 0.2 parts)
Carbodiimide (hydrolysis inhibitor, 0.3 parts)
Process:
Injection molding (barrel temperature 250-265°C, mold temperature 15-20°C).
Performance:
Impact strength at -20°C increased by 50%
No cracks in drop test (1.5m height).
II. Electronics & Appliances
1. Transparent PC Phone Casings
Requirements: High impact resistance, scratch resistance, optical clarity.
Formulation:
PC resin 100 parts
MBS (5-7 parts)
UV stabilizer (0.3 parts)
Silicone anti-scratch agent (1 part)
Process:
Injection molding (melt temperature 280-300°C, mold temperature 80-100°C).
Performance:
Notched impact strength (ISO 180) ≥60 kJ/m²
Light transmittance ≥88%, haze ≤2%
2. ABS/PC Alloy Charger Housings
Requirements: Flame retardancy (UL94 V-0), high flowability, drop resistance.
Formulation:
ABS/PC alloy (70/30 ratio) 100 parts
MBS (6 parts)
Brominated flame retardant (12 parts)
Anti-dripping agent (0.5 parts)
Process:
Twin-screw compounding (220-240°C) → Injection molding (mold temperature 60°C).
Performance:
Impact strength increased by 30% (ASTM D256)
Passes UL94 V-0 (1.6mm thickness).
III. Automotive Applications
1. PVC Dashboard Surface for Car Interiors
Requirements: Aging resistance, scratch resistance, low VOC emissions.
Formulation:
PVC paste resin (P=1300) 100 parts
MBS (10-15 parts)
Epoxy plasticizer (30 parts)
Hindered amine light stabilizer (0.5 parts)
Process:
Calendering (160-170°C) → UV coating.
Performance:
Scratch resistance: 4/5 in 5-finger scratch test
ΔE ≤2 after 1000h xenon-arc aging.
2. PC Automotive Lens
Requirements: High-temperature resistance (80°C long-term), gravel impact resistance.
Formulation:
High-temperature PC resin 100 parts
MBS (4-6 parts)
Siloxane flow enhancer (0.2 parts)
UV absorber (0.3 parts)
Process:
Injection molding (mold temperature 110-120°C, high-speed filling).
Performance:
No cracks in gravel impact test (SAE J400)
Light transmittance ≥89%, HDT 135°C.
IV. Medical Applications
1. PVC Blood Transfusion Bags
Requirements: Biocompatibility, low-temperature flexibility, no plasticizer migration.
Formulation:
Medical-grade PVC 100 parts
MBS (8-10 parts)
Citrate plasticizer (40 parts)
Antimicrobial agent (0.1 parts)
Process:
Blown film (blow-up ratio 2.5:1, cooling water 15°C).
Performance:
No cracks at -40°C bending (ISO 4648).
2. Transparent PP Disposable Syringes
Requirements: Gamma-ray sterilization tolerance, clarity, drop resistance.
Formulation:
Transparent PP 100 parts
MBS (5-7 parts)
Sorbitol nucleating agent (0.2 parts)
Process:
Injection molding (melt temperature 220-240°C, high-speed filling).
Performance:
Impact strength retention ≥85% after 25kGy gamma irradiation
Light transmittance ≥80%, haze ≤5%.
V. Industrial Materials
1. PET Engineering Plastic Gears
Requirements: Fatigue resistance, low noise, dimensional stability.
Formulation:
PET (intrinsic viscosity 0.95 dl/g) 100 parts
MBS (8 parts)
Glass fiber (30%)
Molybdenum disulfide (wear-resistant agent, 1 part)
Process:
Twin-screw compounding → Injection molding (mold temperature 130°C).
Performance:
Fatigue life improved 3x (107 cycles)
Noise reduced by 15dB (ASTM E1050).
2. PA6 Electrical Connectors
Requirements: High flowability, low warpage, durability.
Formulation:
PA6 resin 100 parts
Carboxyl-modified MBS (5 parts)
Glass fiber (15%)
Hydrolysis inhibitor (0.5 parts)
Process:
Injection molding (barrel temperature 250-260°C, rapid filling).
Performance:
Withstands ≥5000 insertion cycles
Warpage reduced by 40%.
VI. Functional Applications
1. Antistatic PVC Flooring
Formulation:
PVC 100 parts + MBS 10 parts + conductive carbon black (3%) + antistatic agent (1.5%).
Performance:
Surface resistivity: 107-108 Ω.
2. Flame-Retardant ABS Elevator Button Panels
Formulation:
ABS 100 parts + MBS 6 parts + phosphorus-nitrogen flame retardant (15%).
Performance:
UL94 V-0 (1.5mm thickness), impact strength retention ≥80%.
Company Profile
Weifang Phoenix New Material Co., Ltd
Weifang Hota New Material Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech chemical enterprise integrating research and development, production, sales and technical services. Headquartered in Weifang, Shandong Province. Its production facilities are located in Weifang Binhai Chemical Industry Park, a state-approved chemical industry park.
Our mission is to be the leading sustainable "one-stop shop" chemical solutions company, providing customers with innovative, science-led, differentiated products and solutions. To this end, we provide a safe and healthy working environment for our employees and comply with all local, national and international regulations.
FAQ
1.Q:How's the quality?
A:We are the source factory, quality is guaranteed.
2.Q:When does it ship?
A:We have standardized processes to ship as fast as possible.
3.Q:How do you protect the after-sales?
A:We keep samples of each batch and support returns and technical traceability in case of quality problems.