Polystyrene, the polymer of styrene, is water-white, has excellent clarity and sparkle, outstanding electrical properties, good thermal dimensional stability, is hard, stiff and resistant to staining and is inexpensive. However is can be somewhat brittle, and is often modified by blending or copolymerization to a desired mix of properties. High impact grades (HIPS) are produced by adding rubber or butadiene copolymers.
Styrene polymers and copolymers possess good flow properties at temperatures safely below degradation ranges and can easily be extruded, injection molded or compression molded.
Polystyrene
applications are used in the following industries: food packaging, refrigeration,
audio/video, consumer electronics and office equipment, medical devices,
and toys.