Polystyrene

Polystyrene (CAS 9003-53-6), commonly abbreviated as PS, is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer produced from styrene monomer.

Where is Polystyrene used?

• Packaging: thermoformed food containers, disposable cutlery, protective inserts
• Construction: expanded foam insulation board in building panels and cavity wall systems
• Electronics: injection-molded housings, connectors, display components
• Printing: sheet stock for signage, point-of-sale displays, screen-printed graphics
• It provides rigidity, dimensional stability, and ease of processing in both solid and foam forms.

Good to know: 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.

Commercial specifications

• Expandable beads for foam processing