Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
POLYSTYRENE
n
)
n
(CH
2
CH
CH
2
CH
Polystyrene is a glassy, brittle, amorphous polymer.
For many uses, it is foamed and made into egg cartons, disposable
plates and cups, food trays, packing materials, etc.
Mixing polystyrene with an elastomer such as polybutadiene makes it
tougher. This material is called high-impact polystyrene.
Polystryene is an addition polymer usually made by bulk or by suspension
polymerization. Styrene homopolymer has high rigidity, sparkling clarity,
and is easy to fabricate. Styrene copolymers are very important commercially.
A copolymer containing 25% styrene and 75% butadiene is known as SBR
and is used for making tires, hoses, rubber-coated fabrics, and adhesives.
ABS, a copolymer of 50% styrene, 20% butadiene, and 30% acrylonitrile, is
a plastic that is both tough and hard. It is used to manufacture luggage, high-
quality plastic pipe and fittings, telephones, appliance housings, etc.
