Polystyrene
Description
Polystyrene (CAS 9003-53-6), commonly abbreviated as PS, is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer produced from styrene monomer and used across packaging, construction, and electronics manufacturing.
It provides rigidity, dimensional stability, and ease of processing in both solid and foam forms. In packaging, PS is thermoformed into food containers, disposable cutlery, and protective inserts.
These applications require clarity and stiffness at a low cost. Expanded polystyrene foam serves as structural insulation board in building panels and cavity wall systems, delivering thermal resistance without weight.
In electronics, PS is injection-molded into housings, connectors, and display components. These parts rely on tight dimensional tolerances and excellent electrical insulation properties for long-term performance.
The printing industry uses PS sheet stock as a substrate for signage, point-of-sale displays, and screen-printed graphics. Polystyrene is supplied as pellets or granules for injection molding and extrusion.
It is also available as expandable beads for foam processing. Standard commercial grades include general-purpose PS (GPPS) for transparent applications and high-impact PS (HIPS) for toughened, opaque end uses.
Food-contact grades compliant with FDA and EU regulations are available for packaging applications. Our material meets rigorous industrial specifications to ensure consistency across various manufacturing batches.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 240 °C |
| Boiling Point | 154 °C @ Press: 7 Torr |
| Density | 1.04-1.13 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | white powder or beads, or clear solid |
| Color | White |
| Form | powder |
| Water Solubility | insoluble |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.5916 |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 39039000 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
PS plastic|poly(1-phenylethylene)|Benzene, ethenyl-, homopolymer|Styrene, polymers|Lustrex|Polystyrol F|Styrene Polymer|GPPS (General Purpose)|PS|E183
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