Polystyrene (PS) is a thermoplastic resin with good processing properties. It is used in many applications including food packaging, domestic appliances, electronic goods, toys, household goods and furniture.
The loss of growth in demand for PS has been a major challenge for the industry. One of the main reasons has been the high cost of feedstocks blamed on the soaring price of benzene. Overcapacity has also been a problems and despite capacity cuts, the polystyrene market remains 30% oversupplied.
Styrene will polymerise spontaneously on heating in an oxygen-free atmosphere but catalysts are added to ensure complete polymerisation at lower temperatures. There are three types of polystyrene processes generally used - suspension, solution and mass (bulk) polymerisation.
Two main types of polystyrene are produced: crystal which is a clear, amorphous resin with good stiffness and electrical properties; and impact which contains varying levels of polybutadiene to improve toughness and impact resistance. Polystyrene depolymerises when heated above 300oC and burns with a smoky flame.
Polystyrene
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Polystyrene
Uses and Outlook
Polystyrene (PS) is a thermoplastic resin with good processing properties. It is used in many applications including food packaging, domestic appliances, electronic goods, toys, household goods and furniture.
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Polystyrene
Process Technologies
Polystyrene was first produced commercially in the 1930s and the ready availability of styrene feedstock has helped it to grow. Styrene will polymerise spontaneously on heating in an oxygen-free atmosphere but catalysts are added to ensure complete polymerisation at lower temperatures. Processes have been designed to aid heat transfer from the exothermic reaction, which can lead to low molecular weight polymers being formed if not controlled.
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