Materials

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

High Impact Polystyrene is what its name implies — a few cents more than crystal styrene, to pay for the rubber modifier. HIPS is opaque and very widely used. It has a lower modulus, better elongation, and is a lot less brittle than crystal styrene.

CerteneHivalPolystyrolStyron

Typical Properties

Tensile Strength2,500-4,500 psi
Flexural Modulus160,000-370,000 psi
Impact Strength3-7 ft-lb/in notched izod
Max Temperature100°-150° F
Chemical ResistancePoor

Applications

  • Household goods
  • Containers
  • Furniture
  • Housings
  • Packaging

Advantages

  • + Optical clarity
  • + High gloss
  • + FDA grades available
  • + Low cost
  • + Good dimensional stability
  • + Good rigidity

Disadvantages

  • − Flammable, but flame retardant grades available
  • − Poor solvent resistance
  • − Homopolymers are brittle
  • − Subject to stress and environmental cracking
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