What is abs material? Is it food grade？

The three major characteristics of ABS: acrylonitrile brings hardness and heat resistance, butadiene provides toughness and impact resistance, and styrene gives ABS good processability and luster. It is the perfect combination of these three that makes ABS material widely used in toys, electronic equipment shells, automotive parts and other fields.

Food grade, as the name suggests, refers to those materials that can safely come into contact with food. They must be able to come into direct contact with food without compromising food quality and safety. This includes no release of harmful substances under normal conditions of use, and no chemical reaction with food during food processing, storage, and transportation.For ABS plastics, whether it can become a food-grade material depends on its chemical composition and production process. ABS plastics are made from a combination of three different monomers, each with its own specific properties and uses.

To make ABS plastics meet the requirements of food grade, it is not enough to have good physical and chemical properties. Additives and auxiliaries used in the production process must also meet food safety standards. In addition, pollution control inthe production process is also crucial. Only in a strict production environment can we ensure that ABS plastics do not contain harmful substances and will not pose a threat to food safety.

The difference between food grade ABS and ordinary ABS:

The main difference between food-grade ABS and ordinary ABS is the choice of raw materials, the control of the production process and the compliance with food safety standards. Here's how they differ in different ways:

1. Raw materials and additives:

Food ABS：

• Use raw materials and additives that meet food contact requirements and do not contain harmful chemicals.
  

• Food-grade ABS is manufactured to avoid the use of additives that may migrate to food, such as certain plasticizers or pigments.

Ordinary ABS:

• In the production process, additives that do not meet food contact requirements may be used, such as non-food grade stabilizers, antioxidants, etc.

• These additives may migrate when in contact with food, causing food contamination.

2. Production process control：

Food ABS：

• The production environment needs to meet strict hygiene standards to avoid secondary pollution.

• Strict quality control is required during manufacturing and transportation to prevent any substances that could contaminate the food.

•  Production processes are subject to increased oversight to ensure compliance with food contact material requirements.

Ordinary ABS:

• The production environment and process do not have the strict requirements of food grade and are mainly used for industrial and domestic purposes.

• Usually pay more attention to the mechanical properties and molding properties of the material, without considering the safety of food contact.

3. Application Scenario:

Food grade ABS:

• Suitable for food containers, water dispenser shells, kitchen utensils, food packaging and other products that need to be in direct contact with food.

Ordinary ABS:

• Suitable for industrial products, household appliances, automotive interiors, toys, electronic shells, etc., not suitable for direct contact with food.

Food-grade ABS materials are more stringent than ordinary ABS in terms of raw materials, production process and certification to ensure the safety of the material when it comes into contact with food. If you want to make products that come into contact with food, you must choose ABS that meet food grade certification. Ordinary ABS, although similar in physical properties to food-grade ABS, lacks safety guarantees in terms of food contact and should not be used for food-related purposes.

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