The key difference between polystyrene (PS) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) is that polystyrene generally has comparatively low impact strength, whereas high impact polystyrene has a very high impact strength.
Polystyrene (PS) is a polymer material that is available in two forms: solid form or foam and it has many applications.
High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a type of polystyrene having a very high impact strength compared to general polystyrene material.
What is Polystyrene (PS)?
Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic and aromatic hydrocarbon polymer we can produce from the monomer styrene. It is available in two forms as solid forms or foams. This material is clear, hard, and rather brittle. Moreover, it is inexpensive when considering a unit weight. However, it is a poor barrier to oxygen and water vapor.
This polymer has a comparatively low melting point. It is transparent, and we can color this resin with colorants. It is a thermoplastic polymer. At room temperature, it is in a solid-state. But if we heat this polymer above 100 °C, the material flows. Therefore, it is the glass transition temperature of this material. However, it becomes rigid when we cool it back.
The biodegradation of this polymer is very slow. Since it is common as a liter in the environment, we should reduce the use of polystyrene. The chemical formula of this compound is (C8H8)n, and the melting point is 240 °C. When considering the chemical structure of this material, it has a long chain hydrocarbon with an alternating pattern of phenyl groups attached to the carbon chain.
What is High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)?
High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a low cost, tough plastic material that easily undergoes thermoforming and fabrication. This material is useful for the manufacture of point-of-purchase displays, printed graphics, thermoformed machine housings and parts, models and prototypes, kiosks, fixtures, shelves, etc. Specifically, the high impact polystyrene has a very high impact strength, good machinability, and outstanding thermoforming characteristics. It is easy to glue, paint and print, etc.
We can define high impact polystyrene as a rubber-modified version of general-purpose polystyrene. This addition of some rubber makes this material additionally durable, and it gives the material a high impact resistance. Similar to all the thermoplastic materials, this material can also become soft and pliable upon heating, followed by re-solidifying upon cooling.
High impact polystyrene is cost-effective similar to ABS material. Therefore, it has applications in industries including the food industry and automobile industry. This material can act as an insulator, and it is easy to fabricate as well. In addition, it is durable than stainless steel and are FDA approved.
What is the Difference Between Polystyrene and High Impact Polystyrene?
Polystyrene (PP) is a synthetic and aromatic hydrocarbon polymer that we can produce from the monomer styrene. High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a low cost, tough plastic material that easily undergoes thermoforming and fabrication. The key difference between polystyrene and high impact polystyrene is that polystyrene generally has comparatively low impact strength, whereas high impact polystyrene has very high impact strength.
Summary – Polystyrene (PP) vs High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
Polystyrene (PP) is a synthetic and aromatic hydrocarbon polymer we can produce from the monomer styrene. High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a low cost, tough plastic material that easily undergoes thermoforming and fabrication. The key difference between polystyrene and high impact polystyrene is that polystyrene generally has comparatively low impact strength, whereas high impact polystyrene has very high impact strength.
Our recycled High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) granules are 100% made from post consumer and industrial waste material. It’s packed in a 25kg durable brown paper sack with monthly capacity up to 100mt. Kindly contact us to find out more about our recycled High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) granules.
Polypeth Ekspor Indonesia is a supplier and export recycled plastic pellets (HIPS & PP) from Indonesia. We work with plastic recycling manufacturers with years of experience to provide and ensure high quality & the safety of our recycled plastic pellets. Together we reduce the use of virgin plastic resin and reduce the waste of virgin plastic pollution.
To find out more about Polypeth Ekspor Indonesia’s products and services, speak to the team by clicking here.
