Polystyrene

(C₈H₈)ₙ

IUPAC: Poly(1-phenylethylene)

CAS: 9003-53-6

Aperçu

Polystyrene is a versatile plastic that can be rigid or foamed. Expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) is 95-98% air, giving it excellent insulating properties. Despite its utility, it is one of the most problematic plastics for the environment due to its non-biodegradability.

Composition

Élément Symbole Atomes Masse atomique
Hydrogen H 8 1,0080
Carbon C 8 12,0110

Composition élémentaire

H
Hydrogen ×8
7,7%
C
Carbon ×8
92,3%

Usages

  • • Styrofoam packaging and insulation
  • • Disposable cups and food containers
  • • Laboratory Petri dishes
  • • Model making

Le saviez-vous

  • ✦ Styrofoam is a brand name by Dow Chemical; the generic term is expanded polystyrene (EPS)

Sécurité

  • ⚠ Not biodegradable
  • ⚠ Major environmental pollutant
  • ⚠ Styrene monomer is possibly carcinogenic

Propriétés

Type
polymer
État
solid
Masse molaire
104,15 g/mol
Densité
1,0500 g/cm³
Point de fusion
240,0 °C
Solubilité
insoluble

Aussi connu sous le nom de

Styrofoam (expanded) PS

Composés associés

Cellulose

(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Epoxy Resin DGEBA

C₂₁H₂₄O₄

Kevlar

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nylon-6,6

(C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ

Sodium Polyacrylate

(C₃H₃NaO₂)ₙ

Polyethylene

(C₂H₄)ₙ

Polylactic Acid

(C₃H₄O₂)ₙ

Polymethyl Methacrylate

(C₅H₈O₂)ₙ

Polyurethane

(C₃H₂NO)ₙ

Polycarbonate

(C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polystyrene?
Polystyrene ((C₈H₈)ₙ) is a polymer compound with the IUPAC name Poly(1-phenylethylene).
What is the molecular weight of Polystyrene?
Polystyrene has a molar mass of 104.152 g/mol.
What state is Polystyrene at room temperature?
Polystyrene is a solid at room temperature.
Is Polystyrene organic or inorganic?
Polystyrene is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Polystyrene?
Polystyrene ((C₈H₈)ₙ) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C).