Polystyrene (PS)
Description
Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer styrene. It is a rigid, brittle plastic that is easily molded and can be transparent or opaque, depending on the grade. General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) is clear and has good rigidity, while High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is modified with rubber to improve its toughness and impact resistance, making it less brittle and often opaque. Polystyrene is widely used in packaging (e.g., foam containers, disposable cutlery), consumer goods, insulation (expanded polystyrene - EPS), and electronic components. It is cost-effective and easy to process, though it has moderate heat resistance and can be sensitive to certain solvents.
Specifications
Material Type: Thermoplastic Polymer
Abbreviation: PS
Common Types: General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Appearance: Clear and transparent (GPPS), Opaque and usually white (HIPS, EPS)
Density: Approximately 1.04–1.09 g/cm³ (GPPS/HIPS), 0.02–0.1 g/cm³ (EPS foam)
Tensile Strength: Approximately 35–50 MPa (GPPS), 20–35 MPa (HIPS)
Impact Resistance: Low to moderate (GPPS), Good (HIPS)
Heat Resistance: Moderate; softening point around 80–100°C (GPPS/HIPS)
Glass Transition Temperature: Approximately 80–100°C
Water Absorption: Very low
Dimensional Stability: Good
Electrical Insulation: Excellent
Surface Finish: High gloss (GPPS)
Chemical Resistance: Moderate; attacked by aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, and ketones
UV Resistance: Poor
Processing Methods: Injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, foam molding (EPS)
Common Applications: Disposable cups and cutlery, food packaging (e.g., yogurt pots), CD cases, insulation panels, protective packaging (EPS foam), toys
Abbreviation: PS
Common Types: General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Appearance: Clear and transparent (GPPS), Opaque and usually white (HIPS, EPS)
Density: Approximately 1.04–1.09 g/cm³ (GPPS/HIPS), 0.02–0.1 g/cm³ (EPS foam)
Tensile Strength: Approximately 35–50 MPa (GPPS), 20–35 MPa (HIPS)
Impact Resistance: Low to moderate (GPPS), Good (HIPS)
Heat Resistance: Moderate; softening point around 80–100°C (GPPS/HIPS)
Glass Transition Temperature: Approximately 80–100°C
Water Absorption: Very low
Dimensional Stability: Good
Electrical Insulation: Excellent
Surface Finish: High gloss (GPPS)
Chemical Resistance: Moderate; attacked by aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, and ketones
UV Resistance: Poor
Processing Methods: Injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, foam molding (EPS)
Common Applications: Disposable cups and cutlery, food packaging (e.g., yogurt pots), CD cases, insulation panels, protective packaging (EPS foam), toys