Polystyrene (PS)

Chemically resistant to acids and bases, provided their concentration is not too high, polystyrene is also resistant to fats and oils. It must not, however, come into contact with oxidants and aliphatic, aromatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons. Whilst completely soluble in many esters and ketones plus in aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, polystyrene is flammable and not resistant to atmospheric influences.

PS is most commonly used for packaging (especially food packaging), sound and thermal insulation. It is also used to produce supermarket shelving systems or high racks. It is possible to produce high-impact polystyrene (PS-HI). And, if modified with natural rubber, PS can also be used to manufacture housings for the electronic industry.