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.