Polystyrene: Definition, Preparation, Properties and Applications

What is Polystyrene ?

Polystyrene-Structure

Polystyrene, also known as Polyvinyl benzene is hard, brilliantly transparent, stiff resin which is produced by the free radical addition polymerization of styrene in the presence of benzoyl peroxide. Polystyrene is non-biodegradable and widely used in the food-service industry as rigid trays, containers, disposable eating plates, bowls, etc.


Preparation of Polystyrene

Polystyrene is prepared by free radical addition polymerization of styrene in the presence of benzoyl peroxide as a catalyst.

Preparation-of-Polystyrene


Properties of Polystyrene

1. Polystyrene exists in an amorphous state due to the presence of bulky phenyl groups which makes packing of Polystyrene inefficient.

2. Polystyrene is non-polar having a melting point of 240 ℃.

3. Polystyrene is a transparent polymer having a good optical property that allows high transmission of all wavelengths.

4. Polystyrene is hard but brittle due to the chain-shifting effect of the benzene ring.

5. Polystyrene has good insulation properties. That's why it is used in making Polystyrene insulation products.


Applications of Polystyrene

1. Polystyrene is used in making 'throw away' drinking cups, soft drinks, and baby feeding bottles. 

2. By adding color and filler, it can be used for making toys and household items.

3. When gas is blown into Polystyrene liquid, it foams and hardens to form styrofoam which is used for making ice chests and disposable coffee cups.

4. Polystyrene is also used as packing material for shipping instruments and appliances, and it is widely used for home insulation.

5. Medically it is used for sterilizing test tubes, diagnostic components, and other medical devices.

Popular Posts

Conducting Polymers: Definition, Examples, Properties and Applications

Image
What are Conducting Polymers? As the name suggests organic polymers that conduct electricity are known as conducting polymers. They are also known as intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) and they have alternating single and double bonds along the polymer backbone (conjugated bonds) or that are composed of aromatic rings such as Phenylene, naphthalene, anthracene, pyrrole, and thiophene which are connected through carbon-carbon single bonds. Examples: Polyacetylene, Polypyrrole, Polyaniline, etc What is the reason behind conducting nature of these polymers? Conducting polymers comes in two forms that are doped conducting polymers and non-doped conducting polymers. The conductivity of non-doped conjugated polymers is due to the existence of a conductivity band similar to a metal. In a conjugated polymer, three of the four valence electrons form strong sigma bonds through sp² hybridization where electrons are strongly localized. The remaining unpaired electron of each carbon atom re
Read more

Crime Scene: Definition, Types and Characteristics

Image
What is a Crime Scene ? A place where the crime is committed or where the maximum physical evidence related to crime is found is known as a crime scene. A crime scene is a starting point of the investigation which provides information about the suspect and the victim. This helps to reconstruct the crime and fast resolution of the case. It is noted that the crime scene is not limited to a single place but may extend to a wider area depending upon the nature of the crime committed. For example, In a murder case where murder is done at one place and the body is disposed on another place. In this case, we have two crime scenes that give information about the crime. Types of Crime Scene Based on evidence found on the crime scene: 1. Primary Crime Scene The crime scene where the actual crime occurred or where more usable pieces of evidence were found is known as the primary crime scene. For example, A murder scene, theft, assault, etc. 2. Secondary Crime Scene The crime scene which is some
Read more

Raman Spectroscopy: Principle, Instrumentation and Applications

Image
What is Raman Spectroscopy? Raman spectroscopy was given by an Indian Physicist Sir C.V Raman , which is based on inelastic scattering of monochromatic light with the sample. The resulting light will have a different frequency than incident light due to this inelastic scattering.  This technique is widely used to analyze vibrational, rotational, and other low-frequency interactions in the molecule. This significantly helps in the elucidation of molecular structure, identifying functional groups, etc. Principle of Raman Spectroscopy Raman spectroscopy is based on the inelastic scattering of electromagnetic radiation with the molecule. We have two types of scattering that are elastic and inelastic scattering.  Elastic scattering obeys the Rayleigh law that states that there will be no loss of energy and momentum of the incidence radiation and scattered radiation. That's why this scattering is also known as Rayleigh scattering. Whereas, there will be some conditions (1 in million
Read more