Transparent polystyrene: features, specifications and reviews

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Transparent polystyrene granules - this is the initial view of the finished product. When exposed to high temperatures on the gas that is inside these balls, it begins to swell. Because of this, they increase by about 10-30 times, while forming a cellular structure with each other.

Use of substance

Immediately it should be noted that the only difference between ordinary and transparent polystyrene is that the second option is considered an excellent replacement for plexiglass, as it does an excellent job with its functions. Naturally, due to this, the substance has received the greatest distribution precisely as a substitute for glass. It is also important to note here that this substance is a cheaper option, but at the same time its physical and chemical properties are suitable for use not only outside, but also inside.

Transparent smooth type polystyrene is an excellent replacement in cases where interior glazing is required. In addition, the raw material perfectly transmits the sun's rays, but the effect of such direct rays on the material itself causes yellowing,cloudiness or even deterioration in strength characteristics.

Varieties

A distinctive feature of transparent polystyrene is that it can be used with food, that is, when in contact with food, it will not lose its quality. Translucent versions of this raw material are great for installation as shower screens or shower doors, for example.

One of the varieties of this material is textured polystyrene. Quite often used in the manufacture of suspended ceilings, lamps, etc. The peculiarity of textured transparent polystyrene is that it perfectly scatters light, which is reflected from a large number of faces, and can sparkle.

There is also polystyrene, which is called anti-reflective. Such a substance has a one-sided treatment that will prevent the reflection of light sources. In order to avoid damage to transparent polystyrene sheets of any type, it is usually covered with a protective film on both sides.

Chemical and physical properties of polystyrene

It is worth starting with the fact that this material is characterized by a rather low degree of moisture absorption, as well as a low index of resistance to radioactive radiation. In addition, the following qualities can be distinguished:

• high density material;
• vapor tightness;
• Polystyrene operating temperature range from -40 to +75 degrees Celsius;
• heat capacity andthermal conductivity;
• a fairly good coefficient of such an indicator as thermal expansion.

Fire hazard

Separately, it is worth talking about such a quality as fire hazard. Transparent polystyrene 2 mm, 3 mm, etc. is distinguished by the fact that it belongs to the group of combustible materials. It is worth adding that even in combination with a concrete frame, polystyrene still retains this quality. The reason for this negative effect was that the composition contains a high carbon content. Because of this, firefighters usually show an increased interest in structures that are made from this raw material. However, there is one very important fact to be aware of. Despite the fact that the substance is combustible, it does not belong to the group of self-igniting. Transparent polystyrene can catch fire only from exposure to open fire.

As for the technical and operational characteristics, they are as follows:

• material is quite light and flexible;
• suitable for various processing operations, cutting, etc.;
• durable;
• good resistance to acids and alkalis;
• considered to be impact resistant and very easy to shape.

Material Composition

Polystyrene in its final form contains up to 92% carbon and 8% hydrogen. A very small proportion is occupied by such by-products as sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen. At normal temperatures, polystyrene is a hard transparent glass. Elastic at 80 degrees Celsiusproperties begin to increase, and melting occurs when heated to 239 degrees.

Description of high impact polystyrene

Transparent high impact polystyrene is a sheet material that is characterized by resistance to cold, complete indifference to alkali, and thinness. Due to all these qualities, it is often used in the food industry. However, one way or another, this type of raw material is used in almost all areas of human activity due to the versatility of its properties. Depending on the processing method, it can be divided into several types:

• glossy and matte;
• smooth and embossed;
• transparent polystyrene light diffuser or, conversely, colored material.

Among the main advantages, the following points stand out:

• high strength and waterproof;
• has the properties of dielectrics;
• if it is in solid form, it does not emit substances hazardous to humans;
• light machining;
• high frost resistance;
• material melts quite easily.

Among the shortcomings of the sheet impact agent is its flammability, as well as solubility in most compounds based on aromatic hydrocarbons.

Light-diffusing and extruded polystyrene

Ordinary light-diffusing polystyrene is quite similar to acrylic glass. The raw material is considered to be very brittle and has littledensity. But at the same time, the range of its use is quite wide.

Among the advantages of the material is high resistance to moisture, which is why its service life is quite long. The surface is completely smooth and has a high transparency, thanks to which it is successfully used as a cheap substitute for Plexiglas. Of the obvious shortcomings, not only fragility stands out, but also low resistance to ultraviolet rays and their effects.

In order to obtain extruded or, as it is also called, foamed polystyrene, it is necessary to heat the raw material with the addition of a foaming agent and then extrude it in the form of a sheet or roll material. Expanded polystyrene is widely used in the construction industry. It has been used as a universal insulation for about 60 years. Of the clear advantages, reliability, high resistance to chemicals, moisture and mold can be distinguished. In addition, among all other types of polystyrene, this one is considered the most environmentally friendly. Of the minuses, only one stands out - easy flammability, as for other types.

People who used any type of polystyrene were satisfied. The greatest number of positive reviews came from those who installed this material as shower doors. Some complained that in very hot weather, when exposed to sunlight, polystyrene began to smell bad and turn yellow.