PS Polystyrene and HIPS High Impact Polystyrene

Polystyrene is the third largest consumed plastic in the country today; consequently, it is encountered innumerable times in our daily life. The material does not recommend its application for chemical resistant exposures, but the ease of fabrication and low cost of the material requires that it always be considered if the properties are adequate for the use. The plastic will be encountered as casings for equipment and in various electrical applications. Fittings for piping have been made from the plastic, and many containers may be found made of the modified polystyrene. Higher impact resistanse is attained with increased rubber compaounds

The heat resistance of the material is only 65 °C (149 F). The chemical resistance by comparison with other available thermoplastics is poor. This becomes a boon in solvent welding of the product to fabricate a part but restricts its use to waters and services not containing organic and inorganic chemicals. The material will stress crack in certain specific media.