Which polymer is described as tough, corrosion resistant and used for toys, protective headgear and canoes?

• A. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
• B. Polyvinyl Chloride
• C. Nylon
• D. Polycarbonate

Answer: (A)

ABS brings together high impact strength, good toughness, and resistance to many chemicals, along with ease of molding and finishing. This combination makes it a versatile choice for consumer items that must stand up to knocks and daily wear, as well as exposure to moisture. Toys require a material that won’t crack when dropped and can be produced cheaply in large shapes, which is a hallmark of ABS. Protective headgear benefits from its ability to absorb impact without shattering, while marine-friendly parts for watercraft like canoes benefit from its toughness and resistance to corrosion from water and cleaning agents.

PVC is very resistant to chemicals and widely used in pipes, but it isn’t as impact-tolerant as ABS and is typically more rigid, which is less suitable for high-impact toys or helmets. Nylon is tough but absorbs moisture, which can change its mechanical properties and is less stable for these applications. Polycarbonate is extremely tough and used in helmets and visors, but it is more expensive and can have UV/chemical compatibility concerns, so ABS is the better fit for the described combination of uses.