It is a type of aromatic synthetic polymer that is created from styrene monomer and is a liquid hydrocarbon and one of the petroleum derivatives. PS is solid at room temperature and has a flexible structure, but at higher temperatures it melts and can be molded.
Polystyrene is currently used due to its light weight, high resistance, economy, high efficiency and high thermal insulation. In this article from the Iran Kaisa site, we introduce you to the use of polystyrene, properties, solvents, structure and production of polystyrene.
Polystyrene is a transparent thermoplastic that is used to produce a wide range of consumer products. This product is available as a solid plastic and as a rigid foam material.
Solid type polystyrene is used in the production of laboratory tubes, CD holders, disposable containers, food packaging, etc. In some cases, it is mixed with colored materials, additives and other plastics and used in the production of household appliances, electronic appliances, toys, vases, etc.
Basic properties of PS plastic
It is often copolymerized with a monomer with an alternating structure to increase the heat resistance of polystyrene.
The lack of crystallinity causes the optical transparency of polystyrene.
Polystyrene is an excellent electrical insulator with good chemical resistance to dilute acids and bases.
It has poor resistance to hydrocarbon solvents, oxygen and UV.
Polystyrene has negligible impact strength due to the strength of the polymer backbone.
The maximum temperature limit for long-term or continuous use is limited due to lack of crystallinity and low glass transition temperature (Tg = 373 K (100 °C).
Polystyrene has medium to high tensile strength and low impact resistance.
The density of polystyrene can vary between 0.96 to 1.05 g/cm3 and 28 to 34 kg/m3, depending on factors such as molecular weight, crystallinity and processing conditions.
What is the use of polystyrene?
In general, types of polystyrene fall into four categories, which include resistant, general polystyrene (GPPS), extruded and expanded polystyrene. Each of them have their own specific uses according to their characteristics, which; Polystyrene consumers use it.
Nowadays, the use of plastic containers has become very common. This product, in addition to being light and transparent, has high resistance. Therefore; It is used in the production of automobiles, sanitary ware, sports equipment and children’s toys.
In the following, we have mentioned the use and properties of polystyrene in general:
packing
Features such as reasonable price, ability to contact with food, easy production process, high hardness and recyclability have made polystyrene widely used in packaging industries.
Optics industry
In light diffuser industries, they use ordinary polystyrene (GPPS) or crystal plastic materials.
Consumer goods
Polystyrene can be used to make many accessories such as toys, cutlery, lamp frames, disposable dishes, shower cabins, etc. The reason for use in these industries is due to the following features:
Reasonable and economical price
High processability
Its availability in different colors
Low density
Health and pharmaceutical industries
Polystyrene is used in the production of small parts such as laboratory tubes, petri dishes, emergency equipment, pipettes, etc. in the health and pharmaceutical industry due to its reasonable price, high resistance to chemicals, transparency and good moldability.
Buy polystyrene
Application of polystyrene in building
Sandwich panels are one of the materials used in the construction industry. They use resistant polystyrene to produce these sandwiches. In fact, any plastic object can be made using HIPS. also; The hard and protective layer of the panels are of this type of polystyrene, and its inner layer is made of expanded and extruded polystyrene.
