Polystyrene

[] Polystyrene can either be a [|thermoset] or a [|thermoplastic]. A thermoplastic polystyrene is in a solid (glassy) state at room temperature, but flows if heated above its [|glass transition temperature] of about 100 °C (for [|molding] or extrusion), and becomes solid again when cooled. Pure solid polystyrene is a colorless, hard plastic with limited flexibility. It can be cast into molds with fine detail. Polystyrene can be [|transparent] or can be made to take on various colors. Solid polystyrene is used, for example, in disposable [|cutlery], plastic models, CD and __DVD cases__, and smoke detector housings. Products made from foamed polystyrene are nearly ubiquitous, for example packing materials, insulation, and foam drink cups.
 * Polystyrene** also known as Thermocole, abbreviated following ISO Standard **PS**, is an [|aromatic] [|polymer] made from the [|monomer] [|styrene], a liquid [|hydrocarbon] that is manufactured from [|petroleum] by the [|chemical industry]. Polystyrene is one of the most widely used [|plastics], the scale being several billion kilograms per year.

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 * ~ Properties ||
 * [|Density] || 1.05 g/cm3 ||
 * Density of EPS || 16–640 kg/m3 [|[6]] ||
 * [|Dielectric constant] || 2.4–2.7 ||
 * [|Electrical conductivity] (s) || 10−16 [|S] /m ||
 * [|Thermal conductivity] (k) || 0.036 W/(m·K) ||
 * [|Young's modulus] (//E//) || 3000–3600 [|MPa] ||
 * [|Tensile strength] (//s//t) || 46–60 MPa ||
 * Elongation at break || 3–4% ||
 * [|Notch] test || 2–5 [|kJ] /m2 ||
 * Glass transition temperature || 95 °C ||
 * Melting point [|[7]] || 240 °C ||
 * [|Vicat B] || 90 °C [|[8]] ||
 * [|Linear expansion coefficient (a)] || 8×10−5 / [|K] ||
 * [|Specific heat] (//c//) || 1.3 kJ/(kg·K) ||
 * [|Water absorption] (ASTM) || 0.03–0.1 ||
 * [|Decomposition] || X years, still decaying ||

Polystyrene is a strong [|plastic] created from erethylene and benzine that can be injected, extruded, or blow molded; making it a very useful and versatile manufacturing material. However, do not forget to recycle polystyrene products. Most of us recognize polystyrene in the form of [|styrofoam] used for beverage cups and packaging peanuts. However, polystyrene is also used as a building material, with electrical appliances (light switches and plates), and in other household items. Egg cartons are a common thing that is made out of polystrene.