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DESCRIPTION
Polystyrene (PS) is a thermoplastic that is designed for applications requiring excellent electrical and mechanical properties together with good processability. Polystyrenes have well-balanced physical properties and are generally transparent, but available in various colors.
Polystyrenes are usually processed by injection molding, but due to the material's excellent processability, other methods work equally well, including blow and vacuum molding, thermoforming, extrusion or compression molding, and machining. PS grades are resistant to a wide variety of chemicals: alkalis, salts, lower alcohols, and weak acids. Polystyrenes also comply with FDA regulations.
POLYSTYRENE GRADES
General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS)
GPPS has excellent transparency, good water resistance, and a high dielectric strength. It is widely used for laminated electronic circuits, high frequency insulation sheeting, insulators and other electrical applications.
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
HIPS has good dimensional strength, balanced properties of impact strength and heat resistance, is easily machined, and is relatively low cost. Because of its good impact strength at low temperatures, it is typically used for home appliances, toys, and electrical components. |
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| TYPICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYSTYRENE |
| PHYSICAL |
| ASTM or UL test |
Property |
GP-PS |
HI-PS |
| D792 |
Density (lb/in3)
(g/cm3) |
0.0433
1.053 |
0.0433
1.043 |
| D570 |
Water Absorption, 24 hrs (%) |
0.06 |
0.01 |
| MECHANICAL |
| D638 |
Tensile Strength (psi) |
7,500 |
4,000 |
| D638 |
Tensile Modulus (psi) |
450,000 |
260,000 |
| D638 |
Tensile Elongation at Break (%) |
47 |
55 |
| D790 |
Flexural Strength (psi) |
6,100 |
8,700 |
| D790 |
Flexural Modulus (psi) |
475,000 |
280,000 |
| D695 |
Compressive Strength (psi) |
14,500 |
7,500 |
| D785 |
Hardness, Rockwell |
75M |
56L |
| D256 |
IZOD Notched Impact (ft-lb/in) |
0.8 |
2 |
| THERMAL |
| D696 |
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion
(x 10-5 in./in./°F) |
4.0 |
4.2 |
| D648 |
Heat Deflection Temp (°F/°C) at 264 psi |
200/95 |
195/92 |
| D3418 |
Vicat Softening Temp (°F/°C) |
224/107 |
214/102 |
| - |
Max Operating Temp (°F/°C) |
150/65 |
140/60 |
| C177 |
Thermal Conductivity
(BTU-in/ft2-hr-°F)
(x 10-4 cal/cm-sec-°C) |
-3
-3 |
-3
-3 |
| UL94 |
Flammability Rating |
H-B |
H-B |
| ELECTRICAL |
| D149 |
Dielectric Strength (V/mil) short time, 1/8” thick |
60 |
45 |
| D149 |
Dielectric Constant at 1 MHz |
2.5 |
2.7 |
| D495 |
Arc Resistance (sec) |
70 |
100 |
| D257 |
Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm) at 50% RH |
> 1016 |
> 1016 |
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Note: The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control.
All values a 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.
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