POLYSTYRENE ( PS ) , is a naturally transparent thermoplastic that is available as both a typical solid plastic as well in the form of a rigid foam material. PS plastic is commonly used in a variety of consumer product applications and is also particularly useful for commercial packaging.
Polystyrene ( PS ) is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer known as styrene. Polystyrene can be solid or foamed. General-purpose polystyrene is clear, hard, and rather brittle. It is an inexpensive resin per unit weight. It is a rather poor barrier to oxygen and water vapor and has a relatively low melting point.
Production
Polystyrene is an addition polymer that results when styrene monomers interconnect (polymerization). In the polymerization, the carbon-carbon π bond of the vinyl group is broken and a new carbon-carbon σ bond is formed, attaching to the carbon of another styrene monomer to the chain. Since only one kind of monomer is used in its preparation, it is a homopolymer. The newly formed σ bond is stronger than the π bond that was broken, thus it is difficult to depolymerize polystyrene. About a few thousand monomers typically comprise a chain of polystyrene, giving a molecular weight of 100,000–400,000 g/mol.
Different Types of Polystyrene
The three most important grades of styrene are:
GPPS: General purpose polystyrene, also known as crystal-clear polystyrene, is a fully transparent, rigid and rather brittle low cost thermoplastic made from styrene monomer. GPPS is a solid product manufactured in the form of 2-5 mm pellets.
HIPS: High impact polystyrene contains usually 5 to 10% rubber (butadiene) and is used for parts which require high(er) impact resistance. HIPS is a graft copolymer having polystyrene sidearms. The grafting occurs when some of the radicals react with the double bonds of the polybutadiene.
EPS: Expandable polystyrene consists of micro-pellets or beads containing a blowing agent (usually pentane). The expanded or foamed polystyrene is thermally insulating, has high impact resistance and good process ability.
Styrenic Copolymers and their blends are considered engineering thermoplastics because their properties can be tailored over a wide range for a large number of applications with a broad range of processing methods which permits the manufacture of high quality, very durable plastic products suitable for many demanding applications.
Applications
Polystyrene is used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Household appliances.
- Consumer electronics products.
- Building and constructions, for example insulation foam, panels, bath and shower units, lighting and plumbing fixtures.
- Medical items such as tissue culture trays, test tubes, petri dishes, diagnostic components, and housing for test kits.
Gamma Development Co. offers the most completive prices for this product. For receiving a quote please sends us your inquiry along with the LOI to our email :
export (@) gamma-co (.) ir