Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene (MBS)

Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene (MBS) is a thermoplastic blend that combines the properties of methyl methacrylate (MMA), butadiene, and styrene.

Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene is known for its excellent impact resistance, good chemical resistance, and transparency, and can be easily molded using extrusion techniques. It is used in a vast number of applications in automotive parts, electrical & electronics components, and building parts as a substitute for polycarbonate (PC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). It is also commonly used to improve the overall mechanical properties of PVC. The demand for methacrylate butadiene and styrene is continuously rising in the electronic industry because of continuous research and development.

PVC-based auto-components need to show high-impact resistance properties, and the use of methacrylate butadiene styrene is boosting the automotive industry. Increasing demand of PVC from the building & construction sector and higher penetration rates in medical applications, packaging, electrical & electronics, and automotive industries will boost the methacrylate butadiene styrene demand in the forecast period.  An increase in demand of quality health care contributes significantly in global Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene market growth.

Asia Pacific dominates the Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene market owing to the strong presence of the electronics industry in the region.

Top Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene Manufacturers Globally:

In December 2021, Arkema announced a new line of Clearstrength XT 151 toughener which is a high-performance Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene, designed primarily to further boost the performance of thermosetting resins without compromising processability. This new line provides long-lasting durability, higher production capabilities, improved dispersion for better performance, lower energy and production costs, and more.

Rise in demand from the construction industry

Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene is used in the construction industry for the manufacture of pipe fittings, window profiles, and building sheets due to its chemical inertness, flexibility, unique bonding, and other physical properties. It is used for the manufacture of semi-hard PVC and engineering plastics. Growing population and urbanization are leading to the growth of the construction industry which will boost the Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene demand in the forecast period. Properties such as high flexibility, lightweight and easily disposable nature have helped the construction field to shift their focus from PVC and PE polymers to methacrylate butadiene styrene

Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene is widely used in the construction industry for drainage pipes due to its excellent resistance to chemical attack and abrasion.

It is used to manufacture cable ducts because of its excellent resistance to impact and temperature fluctuations.

Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene is used to manufacture flooring materials due to its excellent mechanical properties, including hardness and impact resistance.

Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene is used as a key component in adhesives and sealants for construction applications due to its excellent adhesion properties and resistance to weathering.

Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene is used to manufacture roofing membranes due to its excellent resistance to weathering, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures.

Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene is used to manufacture window and door profiles due to its excellent mechanical properties, including stiffness and impact resistance.

Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene is used to manufacture cladding panels for buildings due to its excellent resistance to impact, weathering, and chemical exposure.

Environmental concerns

Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene is non-biodegradable and if not disposed of properly it can emit harmful chemicals into the surrounding environment. The production of Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene can generate hazardous wastes and toxic gases, which include solvents and other chemicals which are used during the manufacturing process. These wastes can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not handled or disposed of properly.