What is Polystyrene?

Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from styrene monomer. It is a thermoplastic polymer which softens when heated and can be converted via semi-finished products, such as films and sheets, into a wide range of final articles.

Properties

Polystyrene can be rigid or foamed.

General purpose polystyrene is rigid and inelastic. Polystyrene is naturally transparent, but can be colored with colorants. It has low density which enables light weight and highly functional packaging.

High Impact Polystyrene: Polystyrene containing a polybutadiene rubber impact modifier is opaque or translucent rather than transparent. This is often used blended with General Purpose polystyrene or on its own in a wide range of household applications and in food packaging.

Applications

Polystyrene is used in a wide range of applications, including:

  • Packaging
  • Medical items such as tissue culture trays, test tubes, petri dishes, diagnostic components, and housing for test kits
  • Household appliances
  • Consumer electronics products
  • Building and construction.