High Impact Polystyrene
High Impact Polystyrene is a type of plastic material, sometimes known as HIPS or High Impact PS. Pure polystyrene is generally considered to be a fairly brittle product in its raw form, but various processes can be carried out on it to produce a more durable and hard wearing product with numerous applications. High impact polystyrene is created by one such process, whereby it is endowed with the qualities of a different material: in this case, polybutadiene rubber. The polybutadiene is bonded with the polystyrene in a process called polymerisation, which creates chains of polystyrene with chains of polybutadiene branching off them inside the molecule. This makes the material stronger and far less brittle, as the malleability of the polybutadiene helps to negate the effect of any impact sustained by the pure polystyrene. In the final product, there is approximately 5-10% polybutadiene mixed in, with the rest being pure polystyrene.
High Impact Polystyrene Sheets
High Impact PS has a number of qualities that make it an appealing material for use in many commercial and industrial applications. It is economical to produce, with manufacturers incurring relatively small energy and production expenses when compared with alternative materials. The polymerisation process used to produce it is also easy to replicate and cheap to maintain, again lowering production costs. As mentioned above, the addition of polybutadiene to polystyrene increases its durability, and the material remains usable to temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also completely recyclable, as well as being safe to burn as it produces no toxic fumes. A high impact polystyrene sheet (also known as a HIPS sheet) is also relatively low in cost, and can subsequently be used in all manner of applications. High Impact Polystyrene sheets are also available in a range of grades, from prime to reprocessed, which again increases its appeal to buyers. In addition to this, conductive grades are available from some stockists should the customer request them. HIPS is very light in weight while still remaining rigid, and it also possesses a resistance to mineral oils, organic acids and alkalis. Furthermore, it has well regarded aesthetic qualities.
High Impact Polystyrene Uses
High impact polystyrene uses are myriad. Sheets of high impact polystyrene are incredibly stable, and thus are easily cut, glued and painted. This makes high impact PS an ideal material for making pre-production prototypes. HIPS in its standard form is translucent white, but it can easily be supplied in a range of colours. It is for similar reasons used in the production of toys and models, as its light weight and appealing aesthetics make it suitable for play by children. Other common applications of hips sheets are in the manufacture of housings and cabinets for televisions, as well as in the production of signage and displays. HIPS sheets are also non-toxic, odourless and heat sealable. This means that, combined with their low water absorption, they are well suited for use in the food packaging industry as well.