PS
is an extremely versatile material that comes in different forms: as a brittle, crystal-clear solid plastic and as a foamed material known as Styrofoam or expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Abbreviations
PS
molecular formula
(C₈H₈)ₙ
CAS no.
9003-53-6
General description
Polystyrene (PS) is a common, inexpensive, and easy-to-process thermoplastic made from styrene monomers. It exists primarily in two forms: thermoplastic polystyrene, which is transparent, hard, brittle, and easily colored, and expanded polystyrene (EPS), a lightweight insulating material.
Polystyrene is chemically composed of very long carbon chains to which phenyl groups (benzene rings) are attached at regular intervals. Polystyrene can be considered a homopolymer because it is composed of only one type of monomer, styrene. It is a transparent, amorphous plastic composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen.
PS is a versatile plastic characterized by a number of specific properties. A prominent feature of amorphous polystyrene is its transparency. It's a crystal-clear plastic that transmits light well, making it ideal for applications such as display covers, light guides, and transparent packaging. Polystyrene is also odorless and tasteless, which is particularly advantageous in the food packaging sector.
PS offers
Transparency
PS is transparent, colorless, glossy and translucent up to 90%, making it ideal for optical applications.
Hardness and stiffness
PS offers high rigidity even with low weight. This property makes it particularly suitable for applications where dimensional stability and load-bearing capacity are required.
Processability and recycling
PS is extremely easy to process, as it lends itself well to injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. It's also easily recycled.
Properties of PS
Thermal Properties
Polystyrene has a glass transition temperature in the range of 90 to 100°C. Above this temperature, it transitions from a hard, glassy state to a softer, rubbery state. Its thermal conductivity is low, making it attractive for insulation applications. PS has a moderate heat resistance, which is why it softens and loses its shape at higher temperatures. It is processed in a temperature range between 200 and 230°C, depending on the grade and process.
Mechanical Properties
Polystyrene is a hard and dimensionally stable plastic with a smooth, glossy surface. This hardness makes it resistant to scratches and minor abrasions, but it is relatively brittle and has low impact strength. Modified grades such as HIPS improve this property and are therefore chosen for applications where impact resistance is required.
Chemical Resistance
Polystyrene is resistant to many chemicals, including diluted acids, alkalis, and alcohols. However, it is significantly sensitive to organic solvents such as esters, ketones, toluene, or chlorinated hydrocarbons, which can soften or dissolve the material. PS is an excellent electrical insulator and is frequently used in applications where high electrical resistance is required.
Other Specific Properties
Polystyrene is easy to color and process, inexpensive, and widely available. In addition to its optical and mechanical properties, it is also impressive due to its ability to be manufactured in various forms – from crystal-clear GPPS (General Purpose Polystyrene) to impact-resistant HIPS to expanded EPS and XPS. This means that PS covers a wide range of applications and is one of the most important standard plastics worldwide.
Processing instructions
Application areas of PS
Consumer goods: A key application for PS is the food packaging industry. Typical products include yogurt cups, bowls, lids, and disposable tableware. Its combination of transparency, neutral taste, and ease of processing is particularly advantageous here. Polystyrene is also used for blister packaging, office supplies such as rulers and protractors, model kits, and display pieces. The ability to create strong bonds with solvent adhesives such as acetone or toluene enables stable and transparent bonding.
Automotive industry: In the automotive industry, polystyrene is primarily used for non-structural components. These include certain parts of dashboards, center consoles, and decorative interior trim. The advantage of PS is its low cost, ease of processing, and low weight, which contributes to reduced fuel consumption. PS is often combined with other materials to achieve the desired strength and visual impact.
Construction and insulation: EPS (expanded polystyrene) and XPS (extruded polystyrene) are important insulating materials in construction. They impress with their low thermal conductivity, light weight, and good insulating properties. Typical applications include facade insulation, impact sound insulation, roof insulation, and swimming pool covers.
Recycling: Polystyrene is technically recyclable, although collection and recycling rates can still be improved. Mechanical recycling is the most common method, in which PS is collected, cleaned, and processed into new products. Recycled PS is used in packaging, consumer goods, and building materials, among other applications.
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