Alexei Volkov
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) are both rigid, durable, and low-cost plastics used for injection-molded components. However, they have distinct characteristics that can help identify them. One simple way to distinguish between the two is by observing their reaction when placed in water. If a piece of plastic floats, it is not ABS, whereas if it sinks, it is likely ABS. Another test involves burning, where ABS produces a yellow flame with blue edges and black smoke with a sharp or rubbery smell, while PVC produces a blue flame at the top and green at the bottom with smoke and a pungent sour smell.
Characteristics of ABS and PVC plastics:
| Characteristics | ABS | PVC |
|---|---|---|
| Raw materials | Fuels, oil and natural gas | Fuels, oil and natural gas |
| Density | Less dense than PVC | More dense than ABS |
| Float test | Floats in water | Sinks in water |
| Flame test | Yellow flame with blue edges, black smoke, sharp/rubbery smell, continues burning after the flame is shut off | Blue and green flame, pungent sour smell |
| Deformation | Likely to deform under sun exposure | Less likely to deform under sun exposure |
| Durability | Highly durable | Less durable, designed to be flexible and softer |
| Applications | Pipes, drain-waste-vent pipe systems, sewer systems, electrical insulation, musical instruments, golf club heads, car bumpers, protective headgear, whitewater canoes, luggage, kitchen appliances, toys, tattoo inks | Pipes, drain-waste-vent systems, electrical cables, clothes, toys, car interiors, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, construction, agriculture, manufacturing |
| Temperature resistance | Cannot be used in direct sunlight | Cannot be used where a continuous service temperature of more than 122°F is required |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic | Soft PVC is non-toxic, hard PVC is toxic |
| Recyclability | Can be recycled for non-food-grade applications | Can be recycled for both rigid and flexible forms |
| Burn test | Burns quickly and continuously, softens without dripping | Not easy to burn |
| Solubility | Insoluble in toluene, soluble in dimethylformamide | Soluble in toluene, insoluble in dimethylformamide |
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What You'll Learn
- Burning tests can identify ABS plastic by its yellow flame, black smoke, and sharp smell
- ABS floats in glycerin, which is denser than ABS plastic
- ABS is denser than PVC and will sink in a solution of salt and water
- ABS has a higher impact strength than PVC, especially at lower temperatures
- ABS is more likely to deform when exposed to the sun
Burning tests can identify ABS plastic by its yellow flame, black smoke, and sharp smell
Burning tests are a reliable way to identify ABS plastic. This test will reveal several key characteristics of the plastic. When conducting a burning test, one should look out for a yellow flame with blue edges, black smoke, and a sharp, pungent, acrid, or rubbery smell.
To perform a burning test, one should first cut a small square, around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size, from the plastic. A lighter with a long neck is the safest option for conducting the test, as the flame will not come near your fingers. The plastic can then be held against the flame, without needing to be cut into smaller sections.
The flame produced by burning ABS plastic will be yellow with blue edges. The plastic will burn quickly and continuously after being ignited, and will not drip. The smoke produced will be black, and the air will take on a sooty quality. The smell produced by burning ABS plastic is sharp, pungent, acrid, or rubbery.
It is worth noting that the burning test is considered more dangerous than other methods of identifying plastics, so it should only be conducted if necessary, and away from flammable objects.
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ABS floats in glycerin, which is denser than ABS plastic
ABS plastic is derived from acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. It is a common thermoplastic polymer with a range of applications, including automotive components, electronic enclosures, protective gear, and toys. One of its notable characteristics is its ability to float in glycerin, a liquid denser than ABS plastic itself. This property can be leveraged to distinguish ABS plastic from other types, such as PVC.
To identify ABS plastic through the floating method, you can perform a simple test. Prepare a cup or small container and fill it with glycerin. Then, place the piece of plastic you want to identify into the glycerin. If the plastic floats, it is ABS. This is because the density of ABS plastic is lower than that of glycerin, allowing it to remain buoyant in the liquid.
It is important to note that this test specifically indicates the presence of ABS plastic. If the plastic sinks in glycerin, it does not necessarily belong to any specific category. However, you can perform additional tests to narrow down the possibilities. For example, you can try the water float test, where ABS plastic will sink in water.
Another method to identify ABS plastic is through a burning test. Hold a small piece of the plastic against a flame, being cautious not to burn yourself. Observe the colour of the flame and the smoke produced. ABS plastic will produce a yellow flame with blue edges and black smoke. Additionally, you may notice a sharp or rubbery smell, and the plastic may continue to burn even after removing it from the flame.
By combining the floating test in glycerin with the burning test, you can confidently identify ABS plastic. These methods provide a straightforward and practical approach to distinguishing ABS plastic from other types, such as PVC, based on their unique physical and chemical properties.
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ABS is denser than PVC and will sink in a solution of salt and water
ABS and PVC are both types of plastic used for piping. They have different properties and applications, and one way to distinguish them is by their density. PVC is denser than ABS. To identify whether a piece of plastic is ABS or PVC, you can perform a simple test using a salt and water solution.
Prepare a glass containing a solution of 2 tablespoons of salt in 8 ounces of water (approximately 226.8 grams or 250 millilitres). Immerse a piece of the plastic in the solution. If the plastic stays at the bottom of the glass, it is PVC. If it floats, it is ABS. This test relies on the fact that PVC has a higher density than ABS and will, therefore, sink in the saltwater solution.
It is important to note that this test assumes the plastic sample is homogeneous. Porous or foamed material may have different densities and may not produce accurate results with this method.
Other methods to distinguish ABS from PVC include visual inspection, connection method observation, and burning tests. ABS pipes are typically black, while PVC pipes are usually white. ABS pipes are often used for outdoor underground plumbing and sewage systems due to their excellent shock resistance. PVC pipes, on the other hand, are commonly used for indoor plumbing and water supply lines because they are more flexible and produce less noise when transporting water. Burning tests can also differentiate the two plastics based on the colour of the flame, the presence of smoke, and the continuation of burning after removing the flame.
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ABS has a higher impact strength than PVC, especially at lower temperatures
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are two types of plastic with distinct characteristics. One key difference between the two is that ABS has a higher impact strength than PVC, especially at lower temperatures. This makes ABS pipes more resistant to cracking or breaking under stress, giving them an advantage over PVC pipes in terms of durability and impact resistance.
The higher impact strength of ABS can be attributed to its unique properties. ABS is known for its excellent wear resistance, dimensional stability, and oil resistance. It also exhibits good mechanical properties, making it suitable for applications that require strength and durability. Additionally, ABS has a lower melting point than PVC, which contributes to its ease of processing.
On the other hand, PVC stands out for its higher tensile strength and rigidity. It is designed to be flexible and softer than usual plastics, making it more prone to cracking under pressure. However, this flexibility makes PVC pipes easier to install in tight spaces. PVC also has excellent wear resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, and electrical insulation properties.
The difference in impact strength between ABS and PVC can be observed in their degradation temperatures. ABS has a higher degradation temperature of 375º C, while PVC degrades at around 275º C. This indicates that ABS can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down, contributing to its higher impact strength.
To identify whether a pipe is made of ABS or PVC, several tests can be performed. One simple test is to compare the densities of the two materials. Since ABS has a lower density than PVC, placing a piece of the pipe in water will help determine its material; if it floats, it is likely ABS, and if it sinks, it may be PVC. Another test involves burning a small piece of the pipe and observing the colour of the flame and the smoke. ABS typically produces a yellow flame with black smoke and a strong rubbery smell, while PVC may exhibit a blue flame with green hues and release a pungent sour odour.
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ABS is more likely to deform when exposed to the sun
ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a highly durable plastic with high impact strength. However, it is more likely to deform when exposed to the sun compared to PVC. This tendency to warp under sun exposure is a well-known characteristic of ABS.
ABS has a glass transition temperature of above 100 degrees Celsius, which means it can last in most climates. However, when exposed to direct sunlight, especially in hot places, ABS can deform by a few millimetres. This warping can cause issues with pressure-fit parts, as the deformation can cause them to no longer fit securely.
In one example, ABS clips were exposed to constant pressure and direct sunlight of up to 30 degrees Celsius. The ABS clips lasted about a year before they fell and showed signs of deformation. This demonstrates that while ABS can withstand outdoor conditions for a significant period, it will eventually succumb to the effects of sun exposure.
To mitigate the effects of sun exposure on ABS, some local regulations require the addition of pigments to protect against UV radiation or the application of latex paint. These measures can help prolong the lifespan of ABS when used outdoors.
Overall, while ABS is a durable and strong plastic, its propensity to deform under sun exposure is a notable characteristic that should be considered when choosing materials for applications that will be exposed to direct sunlight.
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Frequently asked questions
Try placing a small piece in water. If it floats, it isn't ABS. If it sinks, it could be ABS. To be more certain, try using a denser liquid like glycerin. If the plastic floats in glycerin, it's likely ABS.
Yes, you can try a burn test. ABS burns with a yellow flame and black smoke, and continues burning even after the flame is removed. It also produces drips and has a strong rubbery smell. PVC, on the other hand, doesn't burn easily and goes out when removed from the flame. It produces blue and green flames and has a pungent sour smell.
Yes, you can try a solubility test. For example, PVC is soluble in toluene, while ABS is not. ABS is also soluble in dimethylformamide, while PVC is not.
ABS is used in a wide range of products, including toys (like Lego), musical instruments, car bumpers, kitchen appliances, and electrical insulation. PVC is commonly used in clothing, especially for creating leather-like or waterproof material. It's also used in toys, car interiors, pipes, electrical cables, and vinyl flooring.
