What is the Difference Between Styrene and Polystyrene?

The main difference between styrene and polystyrene lies in their chemical composition and properties. Styrene is a liquid hydrocarbon, while polystyrene is a solid plastic derived from styrene through a process called polymerization.

Styrene:

• Also known as ethenylbenzene or vinylbenzene.
• A colorless oily liquid.
• Extensively used to make polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, synthetic rubber, and latex.
• Occurs naturally in some fruits, vegetables, nuts, and meats, and is also synthetically produced.
• Has a sweet odor that becomes unpleasant and pungent in high concentrations.
• Evaporates fast and is easily flammable.
• Toxic, irritant, and harmful to health.

Polystyrene:

• An inert plastic and polymer made of fused styrene molecules.
• Appears as a hard, transparent, and glassy polymer.
• Can be made into foam or expanded polystyrene (EPS), which contains more than 95% air and is used for insulation, packaging, and other applications.
• Displays properties that make it ideal for thermo-insulation while being non-toxic and safe to use.

In summary, styrene is a raw material used to create polystyrene, which is a synthetic plastic with various applications. Styrene has different properties and is not suitable for the same uses as polystyrene.

Comparative Table: Styrene vs Polystyrene

Styrene and polystyrene are two organic compounds with distinct properties and applications. Here is a table comparing their differences:

Styrene is a clear, colorless liquid that can be chemically linked to create polystyrene, a solid plastic with different properties. Styrene is mainly used to produce polystyrene, SBR, and copolymers of styrene-acrylonitrile and ABS rubbers. On the other hand, polystyrene is a lightweight, rigid, low-density thermoplastic elastomer with excellent insulation and moisture resistance properties. It is widely used in various consumer products, such as food containers, rubber tires, building insulation, carpet backing, boat hulls, surfboards, and residential kitchen countertops.