Other Names:
Polystyrol, Styrofoam, General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Poly(styrene), PS Resin, Rexolite, Polystyrene Latex
Specification Summary
- Purity: ≥99%
- Form: Granules, pellets, powder, sheets, films, foamed blocks
- CAS No.: 9003-53-6
- Molecular Formula: (C<sub>8</sub>H<sub>8</sub>)<sub>n</sub>
- Molecular Weight: ~100,000–400,000 g/mol (polymer chains; 104.15 g/mol per repeating unit)
Product Description
Polystyrene (PS) is a transparent, rigid, and brittle thermoplastic polymer that can be processed into solid or foamed products. In its pure form, it appears as colorless or white pellets, sheets, or films, and can be easily dyed in various colors. PS is insoluble in water and resistant to aqueous alkalis and mineral acids, but it is attacked by many organic solvents such as benzene, ketones, and aldehydes. It is non-corrosive, non-alkaline, and exhibits excellent electrical insulation. Polystyrene is lightweight, easy to mold, and offers high clarity, but it has poor UV and weather resistance.
Polystyrene Specification Table
| Property | Value/Description |
| Density | 1.04–1.06 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 212 °C |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | 90–100 °C |
| Tensile Strength | 16–60 MPa (grade dependent) |
| Elongation at Break | >35% |
| Flexural Modulus | 1500 MPa |
| Impact Strength | >40 kJ/m² (at 23°C, HIPS); brittle in GPPS |
| Hardness | 80 Shore D |
| Water Absorption (24 hrs) | 0.05% |
| Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) | 2.4–2.6 |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent to acids, alkalis; poor to solvents |
| Appearance | Transparent/white, rigid, brittle |
Downloadable TDS:
A comprehensive Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is available for download, providing detailed mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, as well as processing guidelines for polystyrene.
Application Sectors and Industries of Polystyrene
Packaging:
Polystyrene is widely used in both rigid and foamed forms for food containers, disposable cups, trays, and protective packaging. Its clarity, ease of molding, and ability to be foamed into lightweight structures make it ideal for safeguarding products during transport and for single-use food service items.
Consumer Goods:
Toys, household items, CD/DVD cases, and office supplies benefit from PS’s rigidity, gloss, and ability to be colored. Its ease of processing supports cost-effective mass production of everyday goods.
Construction:
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a standard material for thermal insulation panels, underlayments, and lightweight concrete blocks. Its low thermal conductivity and shock-absorbing properties make it essential for energy-efficient building envelopes and impact protection.
Electronics:
PS is used for insulating components, switch housings, coil bobbins, and casings for electronic devices. Its excellent dielectric properties and dimensional stability ensure reliable performance in electrical applications.
Medical and Healthcare:
PS is commonly found in disposable petri dishes, test tubes, pipette tips, and diagnostic device housings. Its clarity, chemical resistance, and ability to be sterilized make it suitable for laboratory and medical environments.
Food Industry:
Approved for direct food contact, PS is used for yogurt containers, meat trays, and blister packaging. Its barrier properties and formability help preserve freshness and present food attractively.
Automotive:
Polystyrene is used for interior trim, instrument panels, and insulation components. Its lightweight and moldability support efficient vehicle design and comfort.
Industrial Applications:
PS is processed into machine guards, display panels, and model prototypes due to its machinability and ability to be laser-cut or milled with precision.
Signage and Display:
Rigid PS sheets are used for indoor signage, point-of-sale displays, and exhibition panels. Their printability and smooth surface provide high-quality visual presentation.
Arts, Crafts, and Model Making:
Foamed and solid PS are popular in architectural models, hobby projects, and creative crafts. The material is easy to cut, shape, and glue, making it a favorite for designers and artists.
Packaging Types
- 25 kg Bags: Standard for granules and pellets, moisture-resistant and suitable for manual or automated handling.
- Bulk Bags (FIBC): 500–1000 kg capacity for industrial-scale processing, designed for high-volume manufacturing.
- Drums: Used for specialty PS powders and compounds, offering protection from contamination and moisture.
- Sheets and Rolls: Supplied as rigid or foamed sheets/films in various thicknesses for direct fabrication or conversion.
- Custom Packaging: Tailored formats such as pre-cut blocks, molded parts, or specific dimensions to meet unique customer requirements.
Polystyrene (PS) delivers a unique combination of clarity, rigidity, and processability, making it a versatile solution for packaging, construction, electronics, and a wide range of consumer and industrial applications. For detailed technical specifications, safety data, and compliance certifications, please refer to the downloadable TDS.
