2.

Materials
2.1 Raw material
Styrene, also known as ethylbenzene, vinylbenzene, or phenylethane, is the
monomer for polystyrene, which is the precursor of polystyrene and other well-
known copolymers. Styrene is used to make a variety of strong, flexible, and
light products. Benzene and ethylene are used to make styrene, which is then
polymerized in the presence of catalysts, typically organic peroxides.

2.2 Molecular structure

Source:
https://read.nxtbook.com/wiley/plasticsengineering/september2016/consultantscorner_plastics.html

2.3 Physical and Chemical properties

 Due of the hefty phenyl groups that are present, polystyrene is in an amorphous
condition and cannot be efficiently packed.

 Polystyrene is non-polar in nature.

 The Melting point of polystyrene is 240 C.
 The Boiling point of polystyrene is 430 C.
 The density of polystyrene is 1.05 gm/cm^3.
 Since polystyrene is translucent and allows for strong transmission of all wavelengths,
it has good optical properties. Moreover, it has an especially high brightness due to its
high refractive index.
 Thanks to the chain stiffening effect of the benzene ring, polystyrene is hard but
brittle. When it falls, it makes a typical metallic sound.
 Being a non-polar amorphous polymer, it has a low softening temperature. It cannot
withstand the temperature of boiling water.
 Polystyrene has a low ability to absorb moisture. In addition, it has good electrical
insulation properties. Therefore, it is used to make polystyrene insulation products.
 Polystyrene is insoluble in water.
 Polystyrene has good insulating properties. That is why it is used in the production of
polystyrene insulation products.