What is the Difference Between Polystyrene and Styrofoam?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Polystyrene and Styrofoam are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same material. Here are the main differences between the two:
- Origin: Polystyrene is a versatile plastic polymer made from styrene monomers, which are derived from petroleum. Styrofoam, on the other hand, is a brand of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. Styrofoam is a trademarked term owned by The Dow Chemical Company.
- Structure: Polystyrene is a hard, brittle plastic that can be easily molded into different products, shapes, and foam materials. EPS foam, often mistakenly referred to as Styrofoam, is a lightweight, rigid, and closed-cell foam made from polystyrene beads that are heated and expanded with steam.
- Usage: Polystyrene is used for a wide range of applications, including packaging, electronics, toys, and food service items. Styrofoam, or more accurately, EPS foam, is primarily used for insulation and packaging. It is commonly used in construction applications and for products like disposable coffee cups and coolers.
- Permeability: Styrofoam has a higher permeability rating than EPS foam, making it more optimal for water and mold resistance.
- Recyclability: Unlike Styrofoam, EPS foam is recyclable and considered environmentally friendly due to its organic components and lack of toxic elements.
In summary, polystyrene is a plastic polymer used for various applications, while Styrofoam (EPS foam) is a specific type of foam made from polystyrene beads. They have different properties, uses, and production processes.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Polystyrene and Styrofoam? Comparative Table: Polystyrene vs Styrofoam
Comparative Table: Polystyrene vs Styrofoam
The main difference between polystyrene and Styrofoam lies in their composition and applications. Here is a table summarizing the differences:
Property | Polystyrene | Styrofoam |
---|---|---|
Definition | Polystyrene is a type of plastic made from styrene, a clear and colorless liquid that forms long chains of polymers when heated. | Styrofoam is a registered trademark of the Dow Chemical Company and refers to a range of extruded polystyrene building products. It is often mistakenly used to describe expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products. |
Types | Polystyrene can be solid or foam. | Styrofoam refers to extruded polystyrene (XPS) products. |
Applications | Polystyrene is used in various architectural models, cutlery, car parts, bottles, toys, and other everyday objects, including plastic tables. | Styrofoam is primarily used in floor and roof insulation systems, as well as in floral, craft, and special events industries. |
Environmental Impact | Polystyrene is difficult to recycle and has been linked to various environmental impacts. | Styrofoam shares similar environmental concerns as polystyrene, with some cities and schools banning its use. |
It is important not to confuse Styrofoam with expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products, as they are different materials with distinct applications and properties.
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