Polystyrene (PS) is a thermoplastic 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.
Unfilled polystyrene has a sparkle appearance and is often referred to as crystal PS or general purpose polystyrene (GPPS). Because of the brittleness of crystal polystyrene, styrene is frequently polymerized in the presence of dissolved polybutadiene rubber to improve the strength of the polymer.
HIPS is often specified for low strength structural applications when impact resistance, machinability, and low cost are required. It is frequently used machining pre-production prototypes since it has excellent dimensional stability and is easy to fabricate, paint and glue. Natural (translucent white) HIPS is FDA compliant for use in food processing applications.
Emco Industrial Plastics doesn’t claim to represent all of the manufacturers or trade name products listed. This list is intended as a guide of typical materials available for purchase from Emco Industrial Plastics, Inc. For additional information, contact an Emco Industrial Plastics representative with the form below.
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Polystyrene, High Impact (HIPS) Static
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Sheet, Rod, Tube
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| Type | Size | Length | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet | 1/8″ – 6″ TH | Std. sheet sizes up to 60″ x 120″; CTS | White |
| Rod | 1/4″ – 2″ DIA | Std. foot lengths; CTS | White |
| Tube | 1/2″ – 4″ OD; various ID | Std. foot lengths; CTS | White |
| Other | Hollow spheres |
Give us your cut-to-size dimensions. We will precision-cut these plastics to your exact size. Additional sizes and colors available upon request.
| Physical Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | lb/in³ | D792 | 0.043 |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs | % | D570 | 0.01 |
| Mechanical Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | psi | D638 | 4000 |
| Tensile Modulus | psi | D638 | 260000 |
| Tensile Elongation @Break | % | D638 | 55 |
| Flexural Strength | psi | D790 | 8700 |
| Flexural Modulus | psi | 400000 | 280000 |
| Compressive Strength | psi | D695 | 7500 |
| Hardness, Rockwell R | D785 | 56L | |
| IZOD Impact Strength Notched | ft-lb/in | D256 | 2 |
| Thermal Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion | (x 10⁻⁵in./in./°F) | D256 | 4.2 |
| Heat Deflection Temp at 264 psi | °F | 195 | |
| Melting Temperature | °F | D3418 | 214 |
| Max Operating Temp | °F | D648 | 140 |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 | H – B |
| Electrical Properties | Units | ASTM | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Strength @1/8″ th. | V/mil | D149 | 45 |
| Dissipation Factor @ 1 MHz | D150 | 2.7 | |
| Volume Resistivity, 50% RH | ohm-cm | D257 | >10¹⁶ |
NOTE: The property values presented above are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control. Contact us for manufacturers’ complete material property datasheets. All values at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.