Polystyrene and styrene copolymers

Styrene's compatibility with a wide range of monomers and polymers has led to the development of a diverse family of styrenic polymers with properties ranging from transparent to opaque, from brittle to impact-resistant, from rigid to elastomeric. Table 1 summarizes the main styrenic polymers, their constituent monomers and their main properties.

This article deals with the following styrenic polymers:

• polystyrene or standard PS, amorphous, brittle and transparent, often called crystal PS because of its clarity;

• PS impact, a polybutadiene/styrene copolymer, also known as HIPS, which is impact-resistant but opaque;

• styrene-rich SB styrene/butadiene block copolymers, also known as impact-resistant, transparent CLIPS.