Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic polymer made by polymerizing the monomer styrene. It can be solid or foam and has low density. While it provides good insulation and is lightweight, polystyrene has disadvantages like flammability and negative environmental impact as it does not break down for hundreds of years in landfills. It is widely used for insulation in applications like below grade, cavity walls, roofs, and concrete.

1. POLYSTYRENE
Presentation by –Zagros A Omar

2. Outline
zagrosfaqeanay @gmail.com
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3. Discoveries of Polystyrene
-1839: first synthesize
by German
pharmacist, Eduard
Simon.

4. • Polystyrene is a hard, stiff, brilliantly transparent synthetic resin produced
by the polymerization of styrene.
• It is widely employed in the food service industries as rigid trays and
containers.
• Polystyrene is also co polymerized or blended with other polymers
lending hardness and rigidity to a number of important plastic and rubber
products.
INTRODUCTION

5. Synthesis of Polystyrene
A. Polystyrene: a plastic polymer made from monomer units of styrene, a
liquid hydrocarbon that is commercially manufactured from petroleum,
but can be melted at higher temperature for molding than resolidified.
The chemical reaction for the synthesis of polystyrene is shown on top

6. Synthesis of Polystyrene
Before we can
synthesize polystyrene,
we must make its
monomer styrene
Direct catalytic
dehydrogenation of
ethylbenzene is the main
manufacturing course of
styrene

7. Synthesis of Polystyrene
Once styrene
is produced, nearly
65% of it is then
used to produce
polystyrene. The
overall reaction
that describes the
styrene
polymerization is
shown here.

8. • Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene.
• It can be solid or foam.
• Low density.
• Good thermic insulant.
• Flammability.
• Poor barrier to oxygen and water vapour.
• Has relatively low melting point.
PROPERTIES

9. • As a thermoplastic polymer, polystyrene is in a solid
state at room temperature but it flows if heated about
100o C.
• This temperature behaviour is exploited for extrusion
and also for molding and vacuum forming since it can
be cast into molds with fine details

10. • Sheet or molded polystyrene
• Foams
• Expanded polystyrene
• Extruded polystyrene foam
• Copolymers
FORMS PRODUCED

11. Mainly used for insulation.
Types of insulations:
• Below grade insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Concrete applications
• Exterior insulation and finish systems(EIFS)
• Radiant floor insulation
• Roof insulation
• Structural insulated panels
APPLICATION:

12. • It is a cost effective durable and energy efficiency solution for insulation
applications.
• It is an ideal material to stop energy loss.
• For poured in place and precast concrete systems reduces the
requirement for concrete and overall weight.
ADVANTAGES:
• Light weight .
• High strength.
• Excellent adhesion to concrete.
CONCRETE APPLICATIONS

13. • Polystyrene has a negative impact on environment.
• These are produced using blowing agents that form bubbles and expand
the foam. Polystyrene is usually made with HFC which have global
warming potentials of approximately 1000-1300 times that of carbon
dioxide.
• Polystyrene discarded in the environment does not break down for
hundreds of years and takes up precious space in landfill.
• Easily blown by the wind ending up as litter in the environment where it
can harm animals and marine life.
• Animals can mistake polystyrene for food and it can be lethal to birds and
sea life that swallow it.
Coastal debris
including
polystyrene in
Japan
DISADVANTAGES

14. References
http://www.minddisorders.com/Br-Del/Caffeine-related
• http://www.chevroncars.com/learn/food-recipes/coffee-
children
• http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/wh-preg2.html
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/caffeine/caffeine.shtml
(accessed: 2 April 2003).
• . http://www.doh.gov.uk/sacn/pdf/200106caffeine.pdf
(accessed: 2 April 2003).
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15. ANY QUESTION?
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Time for discussion.
&

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