Polystyrene, or PS, is a widely used inexpensive thermoplastic with good transparency. It can easily be pigmented with transparent or opaque colors. On its own it’s a hard plastic with limited flexibility but it is light weight, cost effective, and can be cast into molds with fine details. Common uses include: disposable cutlery, CD /DVD jewel cases, and hobby craft beads. It is chemically inert and as a result it is commonly used in containers for chemicals, solvents and foods. Polystyrene is not biodegradable but can be recycled and has a classification number of “6”. Formulated with polybutadiene rubber it becomes high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) and with the addition of Acrylonitrile and butadiene it becomes ABS.

Specific Gravity
1.04-1.06 g/cc
Vicat Softening Point
183-223 F
Hardness, Rockwell
75
Water Absorption
24 hr .03-.05%
Tensile Strength
5390-7240 psi
Dielectric Constant
2.59
Flexural Strength
12,000 psi
Visible Transmission
80-90%
Heat Deflection Temperature
198 F / 92 C
Flammability
UL94 HB

*Values listed are approximate