Polystyrene (PS) is a type of plastic used widely in various industries due to its versatility. It is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer styrene, a liquid petrochemical.
Polystyrene can be either solid or foamed. Solid polystyrene is used to make disposable cutlery, plastic models, CD and DVD cases, and many other objects where a rigid, economical plastic is desired. It's also often used in containers for food and drinks.
The foamed version, known as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), is used for insulation material in the construction industry, notably in foam board or beadboard insulation, and in architectural models. You may also know it under the brand name Styrofoam.
Polystyrene is lightweight, easy to fabricate, and can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes, making it a popular choice for many applications. However, it's also a non-biodegradable material that can take hundreds of years to break down, which has raised environmental concerns.
