Ethan Clarke
ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is a type of plastic used in a variety of products, from Lego toys to car parts. Given the prevalence of ABS plastic in our daily lives, it is important to know how to identify it. There are several methods to determine whether a plastic item is made of ABS, including buoyancy tests, burn tests, and chemical tests. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and some are more accurate than others.
Characteristics and Values of ABS Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Density | ABS is denser than PP and PE but less dense than PVC |
| Float Test | ABS sinks in water but floats in glycerin |
| Burn Test | Produces a yellow flame with blue edges and a sharp smell |
| Solvents | Dissolves in acetone, MEK, 2-Butanone, and methylene chloride |
| Toughness | Very tough and durable, with high shock absorbency |
| Scratch Test | Not easily scratched |
| Flammability | Highly flammable |
| Degradation Temperature | One-step degradation at 375º C at 20º C/min |
| Appearance | Non-toxic, odorless, translucent or transparent particles |
| Markings | Often marked as >ABS< |
| Smell | Sweet-smelling when burnt |
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What You'll Learn
- A burn test will show a yellow flame with blue edges and sharp smell if it's ABS
- Try the float test: if it floats, it's not ABS
- Scratch it with your fingernail: ABS won't scratch easily
- Check the serial number on the casing of the product
- Use a solvent: acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, or glycerin will detect ABS
A burn test will show a yellow flame with blue edges and sharp smell if it's ABS
ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is a type of plastic used to create items like LEGO toys and computer keyboard keys. While there are several ways to identify ABS plastic, one of the most effective methods is the burn test.
The burn test is considered dangerous and should only be conducted if necessary and with caution. When performing the burn test, hold a small section of the plastic to a flame, being careful not to burn yourself. A long-neck lighter is the safest option, as the flame will be away from your fingers. There is no need to cut the plastic into smaller sections before holding it in the flame.
A key indicator that the plastic is ABS is the colour of the flame it produces. ABS plastic will generate a yellow flame with blue edges, while other plastics may produce green, blue, or orange flames. The blue edges are a distinctive feature of ABS.
In addition to the visual cues, the burn test for ABS plastic is also characterised by a sharp, pungent, and acrid smell. This smell can be irritating to the nose, and it is important not to inhale the fumes as some plastics can be toxic when melted. The acrid odour is a strong indicator that the plastic is ABS.
Another sign to look for during the burn test is the presence of black smoke. ABS plastic typically produces black smoke and leaves a sooty residue in the air.
After removing the plastic from the flame, observe whether it continues to burn. ABS plastic has a tendency to keep burning even after the flame is removed, and you may also notice drips of melting plastic.
While the burn test provides valuable indicators, it is important to be cautious and follow safety precautions when conducting this test.
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Try the float test: if it floats, it's not ABS
If you want to identify whether a piece of plastic is ABS or not, one test you can try is the float test. This test is simple and non-destructive. All you need is a cup or small container, some water, and the plastic you want to test.
First, fill the cup or container with cool or room-temperature water. You don't need to fill it all the way; just add enough water for the plastic to be fully submerged and have room to either float or sink to the bottom. Then, drop the plastic into the water and watch what happens. If the plastic floats, it is not ABS plastic. If it sinks, it may be ABS, but it's not definitive. ABS has a specific gravity of 1.06, so it will sink in water, but several other types of plastic will also sink.
To be more certain that the plastic is ABS, you can conduct another test using glycerin. Fill a cup with glycerin and drop the plastic in. If the plastic floats in the glycerin, it's likely ABS. This is because glycerin is denser than ABS plastic.
While the float test is a simple way to narrow down the possibilities, it's not sufficient to definitively identify ABS plastic. Other tests, such as a burn test, checking for durability, or using a solvent like acetone, can provide more definitive results.
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Scratch it with your fingernail: ABS won't scratch easily
ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is a type of plastic used to create items such as Lego toys and computer keyboard keys. It is known for its toughness and durability. One simple way to identify whether a plastic item is made of ABS is to try scratching it with your fingernail. ABS plastic is resistant to scratching, so if your nail glides over the surface without leaving a mark, the item is likely to be made of ABS.
While the fingernail test is a good indicator, there are other methods you can use to confirm whether an item is made of ABS. One common method is to check the density of the plastic by placing it in water. ABS has a specific gravity of 1.06, so it will sink in water. If the item floats, it is not made of ABS. However, it is important to note that the presence of bubbles or voids in the plastic could cause an ABS item to float, so this test may not always be accurate.
Another way to identify ABS plastic is through a burn test. Hold a small flame, such as a lighter or candle, to the plastic. ABS plastic will produce a yellow flame with blue edges, while other plastics may produce green, blue, or orange flames. Additionally, ABS gives off a strong, acrid, and pungent smell when burned. This smell may be irritating to your nose, and the smoke will appear black.
If you are unable or unwilling to perform a burn test, you can try bending the plastic. ABS tends to bend instead of break. If you bend the plastic and see a white line form in the crease, it may be ABS. However, this method may not be feasible if the plastic is too thick to bend.
Finally, you can look for a label on the plastic indicating its type. Many plastics now have labels for recycling purposes. ABS plastic will be labelled with the letters "ABS", which may be in very small print. If you see other abbreviations, such as PETE, PVC, HDPE, or PP, the plastic is not ABS.
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Check the serial number on the casing of the product
One way to determine whether a plastic product is made of ABS or not is to check the serial number on the casing of the product. This is a plastic identification code developed to distinguish the type of plastic. The code is universal worldwide and is composed of a triangle made of three clockwise rotating arrows with a number representing each material marked in the middle. There are currently seven identification codes.
The code for ABS plastic is not explicitly mentioned in any of the sources. However, one source mentions that ABS plastic has no code. This may be because ABS is a composite of three substances: acrylonitrile (A), butadiene (B), and styrene (C), also known as ABS resin.
It is important to note that these identification codes are primarily intended to assist with recycling and subdividing plastic types for reuse. While checking the serial number on the casing of a plastic product can provide information about the type of plastic, it may not always be the most accurate or specific method for determining whether the plastic is ABS. Other tests, such as density tests, burn tests, and chemical resistance tests, can also be used in conjunction with checking the serial number to more definitively identify ABS plastic.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that ABS plastic shares characteristics with other types of plastics, such as PP and PE, which can make it challenging to distinguish solely based on the serial number or standard testing methods. In certain cases, more advanced techniques, such as infrared analysis or Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR), may be required to differentiate between ABS and other similar plastics definitively.
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Use a solvent: acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, or glycerin will detect ABS
Solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and glycerin can be used to detect ABS plastic. These solvents will dissolve ABS, so be cautious when handling them. To test, place a small drop of the solvent on the surface of the plastic and use the tip of a knife to gently spread it around. If the plastic softens and dissolves, it is likely ABS. Acetone, in particular, will detect ABS effectively, although it may act slowly.
Another method is to perform a density test using water. Cut a small piece of plastic, approximately 2.5 cm square, and drop it into a glass of water. If the plastic sinks, it may be ABS. To be more certain, you can perform a similar test using glycerin, which is denser than ABS plastic. If the plastic floats in glycerin, it is likely ABS.
Additionally, you can observe the colour of the flame when the plastic is burned. Hold a piece of plastic with a pair of tongs or long-nose pliers and carefully bring it into contact with a small flame, such as from a lighter or candle. If the plastic is ABS, the flame will likely appear yellow with blue edges, and there will be black smoke with a sooty quality. ABS plastic will also continue to burn even after removing it from the flame. Please exercise caution when conducting this test to avoid injury or accidents.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the plastic in a glass of water. If it floats, it isn't ABS. If it sinks, it may be ABS. For more certainty, place the plastic in a glass of glycerin. If it floats in the glycerin, it is likely ABS.
Immerse the plastic in a solution of 2 tablespoons of salt in 8 ounces of water. If it floats, it is ABS. If it sinks, it is PVC.
The burn test is considered more dangerous, so only do it if necessary, and away from flammable objects. Cut a small piece of plastic, ignite it, and look for a yellow flame with blue edges. ABS plastic will also give off a sharp smell when burned.
Try scratching the plastic with your fingernail. ABS plastic is tough and durable and won't scratch easily.
Wipe acetone on a small part of the plastic. If it's ABS, the spot will become smooth and noticeably affected. If left in acetone, ABS will eventually disintegrate as if melting. Alternatively, put a small drop of acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), 2-Butanone, or Methylene Chloride on the surface and smear it with a knife. If the plastic softens, it is ABS.
