Maya Ellison
Polystyrene, often referred to as 'styrene', is a synthetic polymer made from styrene monomers, a liquid hydrocarbon derived from petroleum. It is a thermoplastic polymer that is solid at room temperature but softens and melts when heated, allowing it to be reshaped. Polystyrene is naturally transparent but can be coloured with colourants. It is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, from disposable consumer goods to biomedical research tools and electronics. Polystyrene has four main types: GPPS, HIPS, EPS, and SPS, each with unique characteristics and applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Synthetic polymer made from styrene monomer, a liquid hydrocarbon |
| Production | Several million tonnes per year |
| Forms | Solid, foam, extruded (XPS), expanded (EPS), general-purpose (GPPS), high-impact (HIPS), syndiotactic, atactic |
| Texture | Brittle, hard, rigid |
| Transparency | Naturally transparent, can be coloured with colourants |
| Melting Point | Relatively low, glass transition at 80-100°C |
| Safety | Very low toxicity, hygienic and safe, non-toxic but can produce harmful gases at high temperatures |
| Uses | Food packaging, containers, lids, bottles, trays, tumblers, disposable cutlery, CD cases, smoke detector housing, license plate frames, plastic models, alternative material for phonograph records, insulation, appliances, electronics, automobile parts, toys, gardening equipment, laboratory equipment, medical applications |
| Advantages | Lightweight, inexpensive, good electrical insulation, easy to colour, good processing fluidity, excellent optical clarity |
| Disadvantages | Not ideal for high-temperature applications, prone to stress cracking, not entirely waterproof or vapour-proof |
| Biodegradability | Can be broken down by certain bacteria in superworm guts, but must first undergo pyrolysis to turn into styrene oil |
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What You'll Learn
Polystyrene's versatility
Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from styrene monomers, a liquid hydrocarbon. It is a thermoplastic polymer that is solid (glassy) at room temperature but becomes mouldable when heated above 100°C. This property makes it ideal for extrusion, moulding, and vacuum forming, allowing it to be cast into intricate moulds with fine details.
In the medical field, polystyrene is used for tissue culture trays, test tubes, Petri dishes, diagnostic components, and medical devices due to its clarity and ease of sterilisation. Its inert nature, meaning it doesn't react with other materials, also makes it suitable for use in appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, and blenders.
Polystyrene is also used in building and construction. For example, it is used as insulation foam, panels, bath and shower units, lighting fixtures, and plumbing fixtures. Its ability to be moulded into various shapes and sizes makes it versatile for different construction needs.
Furthermore, polystyrene is used in the electronics industry for protection and cases. Its rigidity and ability to form rigid structures make it ideal for disposable plastic cutlery, dinnerware, CD cases, smoke detector housings, and plastic model assembly kits. The versatility of polystyrene's properties, combined with its cost-effectiveness, make it a widely used plastic with a production scale of several million tonnes per year.
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Its toxicity and safety
Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from styrene monomer, a liquid hydrocarbon and petrochemical. It is commonly referred to as Styrofoam and is used for producing disposable plastic items like cutlery, containers, cups, bottles, trays, and tumblers. It is also used in food packaging and in the electronics industry for protective packaging.
Polystyrene is considered toxic and unsafe, especially during manufacturing, use, and disposal. The primary component of polystyrene, styrene, has been described as a likely human carcinogen by the U.S. National Toxicology Program, the American Cancer Society, and the World Health Organization. Studies have shown that exposure to high levels of styrene increases the risk of lymphohematopoietic cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, and causes genetic damage to white blood cells.
Polystyrene is also harmful to the environment. Its lightweight and fragmented nature makes it difficult to collect, and it can be carried away by wind and water currents, leading to litter and pollution. The chemical additives in polystyrene, such as phthalates and flame retardants, can leach into food and beverages, especially when they are hot, acidic, or high in fat. This can result in ingestion of harmful chemicals, posing health risks to humans.
The disposal of polystyrene through incineration can release emissions containing over 90 different compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to birth defects. Burning polystyrene at lower temperatures can also produce PAHs, carcinogenic styrene monomers, and deadly carbon monoxide.
To reduce health and environmental risks, it is recommended to minimise the use of polystyrene products and switch to safer alternatives. Some municipalities and companies have already successfully moved away from using polystyrene. Additionally, when building or renovating structures, it is advised to choose non-toxic insulation that does not contain polystyrene. Passing local or state-wide bans on expanded polystyrene can also help address the issue.
It is worth noting that polystyrene in its solid state is generally considered safe for food use, although there are still concerns about chemical leaching when used with hot or acidic foods.
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The different forms of polystyrene
Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic polymer made from styrene monomers. It is one of the most widely used plastics, with several million tonnes produced annually. It is a versatile material, used in a wide range of applications, from simple household items to complex uses in the electronics industry.
Polystyrene can be broadly categorised into four types: General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), and Syndiotactic Polystyrene (SPS).
General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) is a transparent, colourless, odourless, and tasteless solid, usually in bead or pellet form. It is produced by polymerising styrene monomers. GPPS has high transparency and good electrical properties, and it is resistant to radiation. However, it is brittle and has low impact strength.
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a thermoplastic material made by modifying GPPS with elastomers, giving it better impact strength and rigidity. It inherits the dimensional stability of GPPS while being easier to paint and having good gloss.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a form of polystyrene with interstitial gaps between the closed-cell pellets, forming an open network of channels. EPS is commonly used in packaging materials, such as egg cartons and containers for food and electronics, due to its lightweight, protective, and insulative properties.
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) is similar to EPS but is made through a different process, resulting in a smoother surface and a closed-cell structure. This type of polystyrene is more moisture-resistant and has higher compressive strength, making it suitable for building construction as insulation.
Syndiotactic Polystyrene (SPS) is a form of polystyrene where the phenyl groups are positioned on alternating sides of the hydrocarbon backbone. It is not commercially produced, and its properties are not widely discussed.
Polystyrene can also be categorised as solid or foamed. Solid polystyrene is used for items where a rigid, economical plastic is desired, such as disposable cutlery, CD cases, and smoke detector housings. Foamed polystyrene, on the other hand, is used for insulation and protective packaging due to its lightweight and insulative properties.
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How polystyrene is made
Polystyrene, also known as poly-phenylethene, is a synthetic polymer made from monomers of the aromatic hydrocarbon styrene. It is one of the most widely used plastics, with several million tonnes produced annually.
Polystyrene is made through a process called suspension polymerization. First, styrene is produced by combining ethylene and benzene. This liquid hydrocarbon is then merged with water and a mucilaginous substance to form droplets of polystyrene. These droplets are then heated and combined with an initiator, which begins the process of polymerization. The droplets then combine to form chains, which in turn combine to form tiny, hard beads of polystyrene.
To create expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam, the polystyrene beads are expanded into foam using heat, usually steam. This process is carried out in a large vessel with a capacity of 200-2000 liters, and an agitator is used to prevent the beads from fusing together. The expanded beads are lighter than the unexpanded beads and are forced to the top of the vessel, where they are removed. The EPS is then moulded into shape, dried, and finished through processes such as hot wire cutting or lamination.
Polystyrene can be solid or foamed, and it is naturally transparent and brittle. However, it can be coloured with colourants, and its properties can be modified by combining it with other compounds to synthesize plastics with unique properties. Pure polystyrene is hard, but it can be copolymerized with more flexible materials to increase its impact resistance.
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Polystyrene's applications
Polystyrene is a versatile plastic with a wide range of applications across industries. Its unique properties, such as transparency, rigidity, brittleness, and electrical insulation capabilities, make it a popular choice for various products. Here are some common applications of polystyrene:
Food Packaging and Containers
Polystyrene is commonly used in food packaging due to its lightweight, protective, and insulating properties. It helps keep food fresh and is safe for food contact. Polystyrene is also used to create containers, lids, bottles, trays, tumblers, disposable cutlery, and cups for various food items.
Electronics and Appliances
The rigid form of polystyrene is used for housings and casings in electronics and appliances. It provides protection and insulation for sensitive components. Polystyrene is also used in injection molding to create intricate shapes for electronic devices.
Construction and Insulation
Polystyrene foam, also known as expanded polystyrene (EPS), is widely used in the construction industry. Its excellent insulation properties, lightweight nature, and resistance to moisture make it ideal for building insulation, panels, hot tub covers, and packaging.
Medical Supplies and Laboratory Equipment
Polystyrene is used in the medical field for test tubes, Petri dishes, and other laboratory containers. Its clarity and ability to create solid and transparent products make it suitable for biomedical research and laboratory applications.
Automotive Parts
The automotive industry utilizes polystyrene for various parts, including children's protective seats, automotive bodies, and components. Polystyrene's impact resistance and moldability make it suitable for these applications.
Other Applications
Polystyrene is also used in a variety of other products, including toys, gardening equipment, crafts, sound dampening foam, protective lamination, optical fibers, and rubber gaskets. Its versatility allows it to be customized and tailored to specific needs across different industries.
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Frequently asked questions
Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic polymer made from styrene monomer, a liquid hydrocarbon derived from petroleum. It is a thermoplastic polymer that is solid at room temperature but softens and can be reshaped when heated.
The four main types of polystyrene are GPPS, HIPS, EPS, and SPS, each with unique characteristics and applications. GPPS (General-Purpose Polystyrene) is clear, hard, and brittle, commonly used for containers, disposable tableware, and electronic device housings. HIPS (High-Impact Polystyrene) is opaque, less brittle, and more impact-resistant, often used for food packaging and appliance housings. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) is a foam plastic widely used for packaging, construction, and fast-food packaging. SPS is used for engineering plastics, high-temperature automotive parts, and high-strength packaging materials.
Polystyrene is used in a wide range of applications due to its lightweight, durable, and customizable nature. It is commonly used for disposable plastic cutlery, food containers, packaging materials, electronic devices, toys, and medical products like Petri dishes and test tubes. Polystyrene is also used in building construction for insulation, panels, and lighting fixtures.
