Knowra Polystyrene Polystyrene Polystyrene is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer made by polymerizing styrene. It is produced as rigid plastic, expanded foam, and extruded foam, with uses shaped by its light weight and insulating properties.
Styrene : Styrene is an aromatic organic compound used as the monomer for polystyrene and several other materials. Its molecules join into the long polymer chains that constitute polystyrene.
Suspension polymerization : Suspension polymerization disperses monomer droplets in a liquid medium, where they polymerize into particles. It is a common route to polystyrene beads used in expanded foam.
Food packaging : Food packaging comprises materials and containers that protect food during storage, transport, and sale. Polystyrene trays, cups, and containers have been used for food service and protection.
High-impact polystyrene : High-impact polystyrene is polystyrene toughened with dispersed rubber, commonly polybutadiene. Rubber modification improves the impact resistance of otherwise brittle polystyrene.
Plastic pollution : Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic materials in ecosystems, where they can persist and cause harm. Discarded polystyrene can fragment into persistent pieces and contribute to environmental litter.
Addition polymerization : Addition polymerization joins unsaturated monomers into polymer chains without releasing small-molecule byproducts. Polystyrene forms when styrene’s carbon–carbon double bonds open and link into chains.
Expandable polystyrene : Expandable polystyrene is bead-form polystyrene containing a blowing agent that expands when heated. Steam expansion fuses its beads into lightweight molded articles.
Building insulation : Building insulation reduces heat transfer through walls, roofs, floors, and other building components. Expanded and extruded polystyrene are widely used as rigid insulation boards.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene : Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a tough thermoplastic copolymer made from acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. ABS shares styrene chemistry but generally offers greater toughness and heat resistance.
Microplastics : Microplastics are small plastic particles, generally less than five millimeters in size. Weathered polystyrene products can break into microplastic particles.
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