A Brief Comparison of PC/ABS, ABS And PC

Is PC/ABS CONDUCTIVE?

PC/ABS (Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is not inherently conductive. Both polycarbonate and ABS are types of thermoplastic polymers, which are typically insulating materials. They do not conduct electricity unless they are specifically modified to do so.

To make PC/ABS conductive, certain additives or fillers must be incorporated during the manufacturing process. These additives can include:

1. Carbon Black: Adding carbon black particles can provide a certain level of conductivity to the polymer.

2. Carbon Fibers: These fibers can be mixed into the polymer matrix to enhance electrical conductivity.

3. Metal Fillers: Adding metal particles or fibers can also impart conductive properties to the material.

Conductive PC/ABS composites are used in applications where static dissipation or electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is required, such as in electronic housings, automotive components, and other specialized areas.

If you are looking for a conductive PC/ABS material, it is essential to specify this requirement when sourcing the material, as standard PC/ABS will not have conductive properties.

IS PC/ABS SCRATCH RESISTANCE THAN PC?

Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS) generally offers better scratch resistance compared to pure Polycarbonate (PC). This is due to the combination of the two materials, which balances their properties:

1.  Scratch Resistance: ABS, when blended with PC, can enhance the scratch resistance of the resulting material. Pure PC is highly impact-resistant but can be prone to scratching. The addition of ABS helps mitigate this issue, making PC/ABS more resistant to surface scratches.

2. Surface Hardness: ABS contributes to the surface hardness of the blend, improving its ability to resist abrasions and maintain a better surface appearance over time.

3. Balance of Properties: PC/ABS combines the toughness and heat resistance of PC with the improved processability and surface characteristics of ABS. This results in a material that not only retains the strength and durability of PC but also gains the aesthetic and surface benefits of ABS.

Therefore, for applications where scratch resistance is a key requirement, PC/ABS can be a better choice than pure PC.

IS PC/ABS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN PC OR ABS?

Yes, PC/ABS (Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is generally more expensive than ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and often more expensive than pure PC (Polycarbonate) as well. The cost differences can be attributed to several factors:

1. Material Composition: PC/ABS combines two materials, each with its own cost. Polycarbonate is typically more expensive than ABS due to its superior properties like higher impact resistance and heat resistance. The blending process and achieving the right balance of properties add to the overall cost.

2. Enhanced Properties: PC/ABS offers improved properties compared to ABS alone, such as better impact resistance, heat resistance, and surface finish. These enhanced properties justify the higher price for applications that demand them.

3. Manufacturing Process: The process of blending PC and ABS and ensuring consistent quality can be more complex and costly than processing ABS or PC alone. This contributes to the higher price of PC/ABS.

4.  Market Demand and Supply: The demand for specialized materials like PC/ABS in certain industries (e.g., automotive, electronics) can also influence the price, often making it higher than more commonly used materials like ABS.

In summary, PC/ABS tends to be more expensive than ABS due to its superior combined properties and the complexity of its production process. It may also be more expensive than pure PC, depending on the specific grades and applications involved.