The English name for polystyrene is Polystyrene, abbreviated as PS. PS is a thermoplastic amorphous resin that is polymerized from styrene monomer and can be synthesized by various methods. In industry, bulk polymerization and suspension polymerization are mainly used.
Universal grade polystyrene is a thermoplastic resin that is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, glossy, transparent solid in the form of beads or granules. Density 1.04-1.09, transparency 88% -92%, refractive index 1.59-1.60. Under stress, birefringence occurs, known as the stress optical effect. The melting temperature of the product is 150-180 ℃, the thermal decomposition temperature is 300 ℃, the thermal deformation temperature is 70-100 ℃, and the long-term use temperature is 60-80 ℃. At a temperature 5-6 ℃ lower than the hot deformation temperature, annealing treatment can eliminate stress and increase the hot deformation temperature. If a small amount of alpha methylstyrene is added during the production process, the heat resistance level of general polystyrene can be improved.
It is soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, aliphatic ketones, and esters, but can only swell in acetone. Can withstand the action of certain mineral oils, organic acids, bases, salts, lower alcohols, and their aqueous solutions. Low water absorption rate, able to maintain its mechanical properties and dimensional stability in humid environments. The optical performance is second only to acrylic resin. Excellent electrical performance, with high volume resistivity and surface resistivity, and not affected by temperature, humidity changes, or corona discharge. The radiation resistance is also very good. Its main disadvantages are brittle and easy to crack, low impact strength, poor heat resistance, inability to withstand boiling water, and can only be used at lower temperatures and loads. Poor resistance to sunlight and flammable. When burning, it turns black with smoke and has a special odor.

PRODUCT USAGE
Due to its transparency, excellent rigidity, electrical and printing properties, especially good hygiene and low cost, polystyrene has broad application prospects in food packaging. It has been widely used in various fields such as electromechanical industry, instrumentation, communication equipment industry, etc. as various instrument housings, lampshades, optical parts, instrument parts, transparent window mirrors, transparent models, chemical acid storage tanks, acid transport tanks, telecommunications parts, high-frequency capacitors, high-frequency insulation pads, brackets, inserts, and frozen insulation materials. It is also widely used in various daily necessities, such as bottle caps, containers, decorations, buttons, combs, toothbrushes, soap boxes, cigarette boxes, and toys.