Introducing ABSCOM® MS117AX

 ABSCOM® MS117AX – ACRYLONITRILE/BUTADIENE/STYRENE – Permanent Antistatic ABS

ABSCOM® MS117AX is an ABS plastic compound with superior surface and volume resistivity combined with exceptional colourability.

 

ABSCOM® MS117AX is Polymer Compounders Limited’s latest innovation in colourable conductive permanent antistatic ABS polymers. In contrast to traditional conductive materials that rely on carbon-based additives—which, as a result, typically restrict products to black only—this ATEX-approved grade delivers full colour flexibility for industrial applications.

Thanks to a novel non-carbon conductive additive, ABSCOM® MS117AX allows manufacturers to specify any colour while still maintaining stable antistatic performance. Furthermore, this makes it ideal for companies seeking both electrical functionality and precise brand or product colour matching. As industrial designs continue to evolve, and as a result demand tighter control over electrostatic behaviour, this flexibility gives MS117AX a clear competitive advantage.

In addition, the material is slightly electrically dissipative due to its advanced formulation. Consequently, it safely directs electrical charges to ground at a controlled rate, thereby striking the perfect balance between non-dissipative and fully conductive materials. In simple terms, ABSCOM® MS117AX provides permanent antistatic protection while also offering built-in dissipative properties, therefore ensuring reliable performance across a wide range of environments.

Overall, if you’re looking for colourable conductive ABS, ATEX-ready antistatic materials, or dissipative polymers for industrial use, ABSCOM® MS117AX offers a unique and highly versatile solution that consistently outperforms traditional carbon-filled grades.

Dissipative Polymer Definition

ABSCOM® MS117AX is slightly electrically dissipative; therefore, it enables electrical charges to discharge to ground at a slower, more controlled rate when compared with non-dissipative or highly conductive materials.

Antistatic Polymer Definition

Antistatic polymer materials are materials which inhibit triboelectric charging. In other words, this kind of charging is the build-up of an electric charge as a result of rubbing or contact with another material.

Background and Product Line Evolution

Building upon the technology of the earlier grade ABSCOM® MS170AX (now discontinued), Polymer Compounders Limited first introduced antistatic properties into ABS polymer. This improvement was originally achieved through the innovative use of carbon-based additive technologies. Significantly, the carbon-based technology used in ABSCOM® MS170AX endowed the material with a unique combination of conductivity and mechanical performance. Furthermore, ABSCOM® MS170AX demonstrated that achieving good conductivity levels is entirely feasible while still maintaining the high impact strength required for rugged electronic handheld devices.

Consequently, ABSCOM® MS117AX utilises a much more robust chemistry and, as a result, emerges as a significantly superior product when compared with its predecessor. Therefore, MS117AX represents the next generation of colourable, conductive, and high-performance antistatic ABS technology.

Typical data properties of ABSCOM® MS117AX are shown in the table below:

The key features of ABSCOM® MS117AX

ABSCOM® MS117AX delivers a combination of performance advantages that set it apart from conventional conductive ABS materials. Moreover, each feature works together to provide manufacturers with greater design freedom, improved safety, and reliable long-term functionality. The key features of ABSCOM® MS117AX are as follows:

• All Colour Possibilities 

  Traditional conductive ABS materials rely on carbon additives and, as a result, are typically restricted to black only. By contrast, ABSCOM® MS117AX uses a non-carbon conductive system, therefore enabling full colour flexibility. Consequently, component designers can match brand colours, improve product aesthetics, and differentiate their products without compromising electrical performance.

• No Loss of Mechanical Performance

  Many conductive materials suffer from reduced impact strength or brittleness due to high filler loadings. However, ABSCOM® MS117AX retains the excellent mechanical properties expected from high-quality ABS. This means manufacturers benefit from reliable toughness, durability, and processability, even while gaining advanced antistatic and dissipative functionality.

  ATEX Compliance

  (Surface resistance Rs < 10⁹ ohms at RH 50% / 23 °C)** ABSCOM® MS117AX can meet the Explosive Atmosphere Standard IEC 60079 specification, making it suitable for use in equipment intended for explosive or hazardous industrial environments. In particular, its stable surface resistivity ensures predictable and safe electrostatic behaviour. Therefore, it is well suited for housings, enclosures, handles, and components used in ATEX-sensitive sectors such as chemical processing, electronics, and manufacturing.

  Additional Polymer features

• Permanent Antistatic ABS

  Unlike temporary antistatic coatings that degrade over time, ABSCOM® MS117AX provides permanent antistatic performance built directly into the polymer matrix. As a result, the material continues to suppress triboelectric charge build-up throughout the product’s entire service life. Furthermore, this inherent stability reduces the need for additional treatments or process steps.

• Slightly Electrically Dissipative Polymer

  The advanced formulation of ABSCOM® MS117AX is not only antistatic but also slightly dissipative, enabling electrical charges to flow to ground in a controlled and predictable manner. This balanced behaviour, sitting between non-dissipative and fully conductive materials, therefore provides safer, more reliable performance in sensitive equipment. Additionally, its dissipative nature supports compliance with strict industrial safety requirements.

*Can meet the Explosive Atmosphere Standard IEC 60079 specification with surface resistance Rs < 10^9 ohms target (RH50 % / 23 °C).

Laboratory Testing Results – ‘Surface Resistance’

🔑KEY: 3E8 Ohms = 3×10^8 Ohms = 300 MΩ

• >Testing according to IEC 61340 2 3
• >Test condition 2
• >Test equipment used: 1,2
• >Electrification time: Automatic
• >Measurement voltage: 100 V
• >Number of measurement points: 4

PCL’s new colourable conductive permanent antistatic ABS polymer, ABSCOM® MS117AX, offers all colour possibilities; as a result, it provides a distinct advantage over traditional black-only conductive polymers. Furthermore, this versatility is sure to make it highly prevalent in most industrial environments. If you would like to learn more, and to see how this innovation could enhance your applications, please call us at +44 (0) 191 378 3737 or email sales@polymer-compounders.co.uk today.