POLYSTYRENE (PS)
Polystyrene (PS) is a polymer made from the monomer styrene, a liquid hydrocarbon that is commercially manufactured from petroleum. At room temperature, PS is normally a solid thermoplastic but can be melted at higher temperature for moulding or extrusion, then resolidified. Styrene is an aromatic monomer and PS is an aromatic polymer.
Polystyrene is used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Packaging
- Household appliances.
- Consumer electronics products.
- Building and construction, for example insulation foam, panels, bath and shower units, lighting and plumbing fixtures.
- Medical items such as tissue culture trays, test tubes, petri dishes, diagnostic components, and housing for test kits.