What is Polystyrene?
Polystyrene is a polymer of styrene. It is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon. It is hydrophobic in nature. Its IUPAC name is poly(1-phenylethene-1,2-diyl). Its general formula is (C₈H₈)n.
Structure of Polystyrene
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Properties of Polystyrene
polystyrene exists in an amorphous state because of the presence of bulky phenyl groups, packing of polystyrene chains is not efficient.
polystyrene is non-polar in nature.
polystyrene melting point is 240 degrees Celsius.
polystyrene density is 1.05 g/cm3
polystyrene boiling point is 430 degrees Celsius.
polystyrene thermal conductivity is 0.003 W/m.K.
polystyrene specific gravity is 1.054.
polystyrene has a good optical property like it is transparent polymer allowing high transmission of all wavelengths. Moreover, its high refractive index gives it a particularly high brilliance.
Due to the chain stiffening effect of the benzene ring, polystyrene is hard but brittle. It emits a characteristics metallic sound when dropped.
Being a non-polar amorphous polymer, its softening temperature is low. It cannot withstand the temperature of boiling water.
polystyrene has a low tendency for moisture absorption. Moreover, it has good electrical insulation characteristics. Therefore, used in making polystyrene insulation products.
polystyrene has reasonable chemical resistance but mediocre oil resistance.
Preparation of Polystyrene
Polystyrene is prepared by free radicle addition polymerization of styrene in the presence of benzoyl peroxide as a catalyst.
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Use of Polystyrene
It is used for making polystyrene products like polystyrene sheets, polystyrene foam, brush handles, and combs.
It is used for making talcum powder.
It is used for making polystyrene plastic like small jars, bottle caps, polystyrene cup, and storage container.
It is used for making audio cassettes.
Did you know?
Polystyrene is very light in weight, as it is composed of 95% air.
It exists in two forms: expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene.
It can be reuse and recycle.
It is environmentally friendly.
Question: Why Polystyrene is Brittle in Nature?
Answer: Due to chain stiffening effect of the benzene ring, polystyrene is hard but brittle in nature. It emits a characteristics metallic sound when dropped.
Question: Why Polystyrene Exist in Amorphous State?
Answer: Because of the presence of bulky phenyl groups, packing of polystyrene chains is not efficient and hence it is an amorphous polymer.
Question: Explain Five Properties of Polystyrene.
Answer: Five properties of polystyrene are given below:
polystyrene has a good optical property like it is transparent polymer allowing high transmission of all wavelengths. Moreover, its high refractive index gives it a particularly high brilliance.
Due to the chain stiffening effect of the benzene ring, polystyrene is hard but brittle. It emits a characteristic metallic sound when dropped.
Being a non-polar amorphous polymer, its softening temperature is low. It cannot withstand the temperature of boiling water.
polystyrene has a low tendency for moisture absorption. Moreover, it has good electrical insulation characteristics. Therefore, used in making polystyrene insulation products.
polystyrene has reasonable chemical resistance but mediocre oil resistance