Emulsion and continuous mass polymerization ABS differences

2026-05-13
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, commonly known as "ABS." This is a widely used thermoplastic polymer characterized by excellent flexibility, impact resistance, and the ability to be electroplated, as well as a high gloss finish, giving it superior aesthetic properties. It is widely used in applications such as toys, showerheads, small appliance housings, and automotive interiors.
However, you may not be aware that ABS produced using different manufacturing methods can vary significantly. This article will provide a detailed comparison of ABS produced via emulsion polymerization and continuous mass polymerization technology, to help you select the appropriate material for your production process.

1. What are Emulsion ABS and continuous mass polymerization ABS?

emulsion abs

1.1 Steps for Preparing Emulsion ABS

1.1 Emusion ABS

As shown in the figure on the left, Emulsion ABS is produced using a multi-step emulsion batch reaction process.
Because this process requires various additives (such as emulsifiers and salts), impurities in these additives typically cause the ABS produced using this method to have a yellowish tint. 
At the same time, because the condition of the additives varies from batch to batch, this can also result in differences in color among the various batches of ABS produced. Hereinafter referred to as "eABS"

mass polymerization technology abs

1.2 Steps for Continuous mass polymerization ABS  

1.2 Continuous mass polymerization ABS

As shown in the figure on the left, mass polymerization of ABS is a continuous polymer processing method that uses virtually no additives during the process, resulting in a cleaner ABS with highly consist. Hereinafter referred to as "mABS"

2. The differences of Emulsion ABS and continuous mass polymerization ABS?

2.1 Comparison of particle colors,continuous mass polymerization ABS (Left)，emulsion ABS (On the right)

2.1 Color differences

As shown in Figure 2.1, the two preparation methods yield ABS with significant differences in appearance: emulsion ABS tends to be ivory or creamy yellow in color, with a distinct yellow undertone; in contrast, mass polymerization ABS is uniformly snow-white throughout, with no noticeable yellow tint, and appears purer. 

Therefore, if the product is made of white ABS, we recommend using continuous mass polymerization technology.

2.2.1 Color changes in natural-color ABS molded sheets over time during QUV-A testing

2.2.2 White ABS QUV-B Testing

2.2 Color stability

Figure 2.2.1 shows the discoloration that occurs when ABS molded sheets are exposed to ultraviolet light. The discoloration primarily manifests as a yellowing of the material. This change is caused by oxidative reactions in the polybutadiene rubber and styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) components of the ABS when exposed to sunlight; these reactions also affect the material’s gloss.

As shown in the figure, ABS produced using continuous mass polymerization technology exhibits color performance after 48 hours of QUV-A exposure (equivalent to 8 months of outdoor exposure) that is comparable to that of ABS produced using emulsion technology that has not been exposed to sunlight.

In terms of color performance following the 96hQUV-A test, continuous mass polymerization ABS demonstrated significantly better gloss and color retention than emulsion ABS.

Figure 2.2.2. shows the color change curves of white ABS obtained from two different preparation methods involving the addition of titanium dioxide under UV irradiation.
The mABS contains only 2.4% titanium dioxide, while the eABS contains 4.8% titanium dioxide.
The graph shows that after 50 hours of exposure to sunlight, the ΔE* value (an international color stability standard established by the International Commission on Illumination) of eABS reached 3, whereas mABS required 90 hours of exposure to reach the same standard. This demonstrates that even at lower titanium dioxide concentrations, mABS still exhibits better light stability than eABS.

2.3.1 Differences in color performance of ABS produced by the two methods when 1% TiO₂ is added

2.3.2 Color differences in ABS obtained through two different preparation methods after coloring

2.3 Comparison of the Colors of the Final Products

Figure 2.3.1 shows that, when both contain 1% titanium dioxide, the emulsion ABS molded sheet on the left is noticeably yellower than the continuous mass polymerization ABS on the right. Therefore, for applications requiring a white finished product, continuous mass polymerization ABS offers clear advantages in terms of both color appearance and cost.

Figure 2.3.2 shows the difference in color between ABS sheets produced by the two methods when using the same proportion of color masterbatch.
It is evident that ABS sheets produced using continuous mass polymerization technology exhibit a greener, deeper hue and higher brightness compared to those produced using emulsion ABS.
Therefore, selecting ABS materials produced via continuous mass polymerization technology enables superior color performance in white and light-colored products while effectively reducing dyeing costs.
Comparison of the Thermal Properties of Commonly Used ABS Materials
Vicat softening temperature 
INEOS ABS GP22
96 ℃
107 ℃

2.4 Comparison of Heat Resistance

2.4.1 The table compares the thermal properties of two common, unreinforced ABS materials produced using different manufacturing methods. INEOS ABS GP22, which is produced using emulsion technology, has a Vicat softening temperature of 96°C, while Sinopec ABS 275, produced using continuous mass technology, has a higher Vicat softening temperature of 107°C. 

2.5.1 QUV-A test Retention of gloss in white ABS resin  

2.5 Gloss Comparison

In UV stability testing of ABS resin, gloss retention is also an important criterion. Figure 2.5.1 shows the gloss retention of ABS produced by two different methods after exposure to ultraviolet light.
After 96 hours of UV exposure (equivalent to 16 hours of outdoor exposure), the gloss of the white mABS resin containing 2.4% TiO₂ remained higher than that of the white eABS containing 4.8% TiO₂, and its rate of gloss decay was significantly lower than that of eABS. This demonstrates that mABS exhibits significantly better gloss retention than eABS.

2.6.1 A Comparison of Volatile Organic Compound Residues Resulting from Two Preparation Methods

2.6 Low odor

Because eABS contains a significant amount of emulsifiers and salts introduced during the manufacturing process, and because trace amounts of these substances remain after final molding, the material naturally has a certain odor. The finished products also contain volatile organic compounds, so this odor is unavoidable.
Since mABS is produced through a single-step polymerization process without the introduction of any other substances, its raw materials are cleaner and virtually odorless, making it particularly suitable for applications such as automotive interiors and toys that require low-VOC ABS.

3. What mABS materials do you recommend?

There are many types of ABS materials on the market, with eABS being the primary production method, accounting for over 60% of the market. In contrast, ABS materials produced using the mABS method are less common, and the selection is relatively limited.
Luoyang Baiyou - as an ABS material supplier with 20+ years of experience, we recommend the following mABS materials, which we can supply on a long-term and stable basis.
As a leader in continuous mass polymerization technology, Trinseo have extensive experience in the production of ABS.
Its flagship product, 8391 ABS, features high gloss and high flowability, with a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 28. It is suitable for injection molding and, due to its low volatile content, has been certified for food contact applications under FDA FCN 1525. It is ideal for applications with strict odor requirements, such as toys, household goods, and automotive interiors.
275 ABS is a product manufactured by Sinopec Gaoqiao Petrochemical Company as a substitute for imported ABS produced using continuous mass polymerization technology. It has a melt mass flow rate (MFR) of 2.8 g/10 min (at 200°C and 3.8 kg) and features a high gloss finish.
We offer a steady, long-term supply of this material. Please feel free to contact us for more information. 

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