Styrenics Resin Properties and Applications

GPPS (General Purpose Polystyrene)

General purpose polystyrene (GPPS) is one of the most widely used kinds of plastic that has
excellent transparency, high stiffness and excellent moldability (injection, extrusion, foam molding,
etc.). GPPS is used for disposable cups, case for a box lunch and a household dishes,
confectionary tray, package, CD cases, container for a seasoning, various films, etc.

Features of GPPS for Conventional Grades

• Moldings of excellent transparency and beautiful color

and appearance
• Excellent processability with high production efficiency
• Superior electrical and mechanical properties

Features of GPPS for Performance Grades

• Super high molecular weight (over MW: 320,000)

• Wide range moldability and highly improved mechanical properties
• Uses for specific purpose such as:
• Large-sized moldings
• - Complex-shaped moldings
• - Thin-walled moldings
• - Foam extrusion moldings
• - Biaxially oriented polystyrene sheet (B.O.P.S)
Styrenics Resin Properties and Applications
GPPS (General Purpose Polystyrene)
Styrenics Resin Properties and Applications
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a tough plastic that has excellent impact strength, high stiffness
and excellent Moldability but reduced transparency. HIPS is used for household appliances (TV
housings, exterior of air-conditioner, etc.), office automation apparatus (housing for a copying
machine, printer, etc.), toys, housewares, frozen food tray, bottles for a lactic acid drink, cups for
ice cream, yogurt, tofu, etc.

Features of
HIPS, a graft-type polymer of styrene and
synthetic rubber,
produced by the TOYO-MITSUI PS PROCESS

• Well-balanced mechanical properties with high impact and

excellent flexural strength
• Super high impact
• High gloss with toughness
• Medium-impact with high heat resistance
• Applicable to Flame-retardant grade
• Excellent processability
Styrenics Resin Properties and Applications
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
Styrenics Resin Properties and Applications
SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile Copolymer)
Styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) has excellent transparency and chemical resistance. SAN
is mostly used as raw material of ABS. Other than it, SAN is used for disposable cigarette lighter,
grip of toothbrush, container part of juicer and mixer, etc.

Features of SAN
produced by the TOYO-MITSUI PS PROCESS

• High clarity
• Moldings of very beautiful color, tone and gloss
• Excellent heat resistance and chemical resistance
• High tensile strength and hardness
• Good dimensional stability
• Low residual monomers
• Excellent compatibility with grafted ABS powder
Styrenics Resin Properties and Applications
SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile Copolymer)
Styrenics Resin Properties and Applications
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Resin)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS) has excellent rigidity
and is resistant to stretch, bend, impact, etc. and has excellent
heat/cold resistance and chemical resistance. ABS is also
suitable for plating, easy to be colored, and is able to make
molded products with gloss. ABS is used for automotive parts,
housewares, miscellaneous goods, a coffee mill, parts of coffee-
maker, refrigerator, and microwave oven, a thermos bottle, a
pump pot, a water-purifying device, a measure cup for rice bin,
lacquered ware, etc.
ABS produced by the continuous bulk polymerization process can
produce the High Stiffness and Medium Impact types, and both
are suitable for applications such as housings for office
automation equipment or home appliance, automotive parts and
building material. The physical properties of the resins are very
stable thanks to the continuous polymerization process and
because an emulsifier is not used. This process also maintains
the resin’s natural color so that subsequent coloring is easy and
uniform. Furthermore, long-time operation is possible in injection
molding thanks to the less contamination in a mold.
Styrenics Resin Properties and Applications
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Resin)