Overview

Polystyrene (pol-ee-STYE-reen) is a thermoplastic polymer made from styrene. A thermoplastic polymer is a material that can be repeatedly softened and hardened by alternately heating and cooling. Styrene is a hydrocarbon derived from petroleum with the formula C₆H₅CH=CH₂. The presence of the double bond in the styrene molecule makes it possible for styrene molecules to react with each other in long chains that constitute the polymer polystyrene.

Polystyrene is a hard, strong, transparent solid highly resistant to mechanical impact. It is an excellent thermal (heat) and electrical insulator, is easily shaped and molded in the liquid state, and takes dyes readily. It can be produced in a wide variety of shapes and forms, including sheets, plates, rods, beads, and foams.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Styrofoam

Formula:

-[-CH₂C₆H₅-]-_n

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen

Compound Type:

Organic polymer

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight: