Polystyrene is therefore a complex molecule made up of many styrene molecules. The use of the Polystyrene cut sheets is increasing and so is the popularity of the products.

Variants of polystyrene

If the general public generally knows it in its expanded form (PSE), there are nevertheless many variants:

Crystal polystyrene (PS)

Extruded polystyrene (PSX)

Shock polystyrene (SB)

Multiple properties and uses

Resistant to impact and compression, waterproof, insulating and electrostatic, polystyrene has a number of interesting properties. These justify its use in a multitude of activity sectors.

In the food sector, for example, polystyrene is used as packaging. Polystyrene, when it is called "injected crystal", also makes up cups, verrines, etc. for single use.

Logistics, on the other hand, uses it to transport fragile products.

The army also uses it since it serves both as a gelling agent for napalm, while entering into the constitution of the hydrogen bomb.

But that's not all. Insulating polystyrene is also relatively present in the construction sector, here in its expanded form. The insulating block, in particular, is made using polystyrene .

We also find polystyrene in our surfboards and life jackets and buoys.

Polystyrene, ecology and health

Polystyrene takes an average of 1,000 years to degrade entirely, compared to 400 years for plastic bags. If it is neither toxic nor dangerous, polystyrene, once ingested by marine animals, clogs their digestive tracts, generally causing their death.

Note, however, that polystyrene does not present any risk or danger to human health.

About the Company: Foam Technologies are one of Australia’s leading polystyrene suppliers, servicing the building and construction sector.