Polystyrene Polymers and Plastic Resins
Description
Polystyrene is a thermoplastic polymer made from styrene, a petroleum-derived liquid hydrocarbon. It is known for its low cost, low softening temperatures, and high refractive index. Polystyrene is also noted for its electrical insulation properties and wear characteristics. It is used in various manufacturing processes, including injection molding, sheet and film extrusion, and expanded foam extrusion.
Working Principle
Polystyrene works by leveraging its thermoplastic nature, which allows it to be melted and reshaped multiple times without significant degradation. This property makes it highly versatile for different manufacturing processes. Its low dielectric constant and high dielectric strength make it particularly useful in applications requiring electrical insulation. The transparency of polystyrene, along with its good tinting and coloring properties, allows it to be used in a wide range of decorative applications.
Applications
Polystyrene is used in a variety of applications. It is commonly found in products such as plastic cutlery, refrigerator door liners, toys, insulating panels, disposable razors, appliance casings, and furniture components. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is widely used in the construction industry for insulation and as a packaging material for industrial appliances and foodstuffs.
Advantages over other Polymers and Plastic Resins
Polystyrene offers several advantages over other polymers and plastic resins. It has a high refractive index, making it suitable for optical applications. Its electrical insulation properties are comparable to materials like mica, making it ideal for electronic applications where moderate temperatures are encountered. Additionally, its transparency and ability to be tinted or colored provide a wide range of aesthetic options.
Limitations
One of the significant limitations of polystyrene is its inherent flammability and low upper temperature limit of 85°C, which restricts its use in high-temperature applications, particularly in military electronics. Its brittleness can also be a drawback in applications requiring high impact resistance.
Considerations
When considering the use of polystyrene, it is important to evaluate initial costs, which are generally low due to its widespread availability and ease of processing. However, its durability may be a concern in applications requiring high impact resistance or exposure to high temperatures. Maintenance and replacement costs can be minimized by selecting the appropriate grade of polystyrene for the intended application, ensuring that it meets the necessary performance requirements.
from Teknor Apex Company
Terraloy BP-18003A is a Thermoplastics Starch/HIPS ready-to-process compound that contains up to 30% of TPS renewable content. This compound is intended for injection molding application. Material Status. Commercial: Active. Availability. Africa & Middle East. Asia Pacific. Europe. Latin America. [See More]
- Chemical System: Styrene or Polystyrene
- Form / Shape: Pellets
- Type: MoldingCompound; Thermoplastic
- Tensile (Break): 2520
from Idemitsu Chemicals USA Corporation
Offering the ability to comply with the most stringent U.L. 94 flammability requirements the Xarec EA products offer a cost effective means to take advantage of the value that a styrenic product can offer your electronic and electrical applications: superior electrical insulation & durability. A... [See More]
- Chemical System: Styrene or Polystyrene
- Filler: Glass or FRP
- Type: MoldingCompound; Thermoplastic
- Form / Shape: Pellets
from Scientific Polymer Products, Inc.
Polystyrene. Catalog # : 039A. CAS : 9003-53-6. Physical Form : Pellets. Approx Mw : 260,000. Density (g/cc) : 1.05 (23C). Refractive Index : 1.5894. Vicat Softening Point (C) : 103. TSCA : TSCA listed. Tg (C) : 100. Misc : Melt flow index 3 g/10min (200C); Solubility parameter 9.1. Soluble in :... [See More]
- Chemical System: Styrene or Polystyrene
- Index of Refraction: 1.59
- Type: Thermoplastic
from Chi Mei Corporation
This solid polymer is formed by heat polymerization of styrene monomer. This product is referred to as the general purpose polystyrene, also known as hard plastic. Generally speaking, general purpose polystyrene has the advantages of being bright, lightweight, transparent, low cost, etc. In... [See More]
- Chemical System: Styrene or Polystyrene
- Filler: Unfilled
- Type: MoldingCompound; Thermoplastic
- Industry: TPE modifier can increase the hardness of the molded products
from Idemitsu Chemicals USA Corporation
Offering the ability to comply with the most stringent U.L. 94 flammability requirements the Xarec EA products offer a cost effective means to take advantage of the value that a styrenic product can offer your electronic and electrical applications: superior electrical insulation & durability. A... [See More]
- Chemical System: Styrene or Polystyrene
- Filler: Glass or FRP
- Type: MoldingCompound; Thermoplastic
- Form / Shape: Pellets
from Idemitsu Chemicals USA Corporation
Material: Xarec EA533. Lower hydraulic pressure, better flow than PBT. Better dimensional stability than PBT. Faster cycle time than PBT. Better electrical durability than PBT. Application Requirements: UL 94 V0. Good dimensional stability. [See More]
- Chemical System: Styrene or Polystyrene
- Filler: Glass or FRP
- Type: MoldingCompound; Thermoplastic
- Form / Shape: Pellets
from Idemitsu Chemicals USA Corporation
Offering more strength and ductility than the WA grades, the N WA grades have been formulated with Nylon 66 to create a unique blend that offers strength and ductility, in the complex tool designs frequently encountered underhood in automotive USCAR class 3 and 4 environments. The N WA7020-02 and N... [See More]
- Chemical System: Polyamide; Styrene or Polystyrene
- Filler: Glass or FRP; Nylon
- Type: MoldingCompound; Thermoplastic
- Form / Shape: Pellets
from Idemitsu Chemicals USA Corporation
Lower dielectric heating than PPS due to low dissipation factor. Easier processing than PPS. Lower cost than PPS. Application Requirements: Heat and chemical resistance. Dimensional stability for part flatness. [See More]
- Chemical System: Styrene or Polystyrene
- Filler: Glass or FRP
- Type: MoldingCompound; Thermoplastic
- Form / Shape: Pellets
from Idemitsu Chemicals USA Corporation
Material: Xarec WA210. Better humidity resistance than PBT or Nylon. Better dimensional stability than PBT or Nylon. Faster cycle time and easier flow in tools than PBT. Lighter weight than PBT. Application Requirements: USCAR Class 3 heat and humidity resistance. Dimensional tolerance accuracy for... [See More]
- Chemical System: Styrene or Polystyrene
- Filler: Glass or FRP
- Type: MoldingCompound; Thermoplastic
- Form / Shape: Pellets
from Idemitsu Chemicals USA Corporation
Material: Xarec WA550. Better chemical resistance to transformer oils than PET. Better hydrolytic stability (no drying) than PET. Easier to process than PET. Application Requirements: Chemical resistance. Good dimensional [See More]
- Chemical System: Styrene or Polystyrene
- Filler: Glass or FRP
- Type: MoldingCompound; Thermoplastic
- Form / Shape: Pellets