Overview
General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) is a versatile thermoplastic polymer derived from styrene monomer polymerization. It is prized for its optical clarity, rigidity, and ease of fabrication through injection molding or extrusion. GPPS is a cost-effective alternative to more expensive transparent plastics like acrylic (PMMA) but lacks impact resistance compared to HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene). Lian Yun Gang Petrochemical (连云港石化) is among the key Chinese producers of GPPS, supplying domestic and international markets. The material is widely used in disposable products, packaging, and consumer goods due to its lightweight and moldability.
Physical and Chemical Properties
GPPS exhibits a glass-like transparency with a light transmittance of up to 90%, making it suitable for see-through applications. Its rigid structure results in brittleness under stress, especially at low temperatures. The polymer has a low moisture absorption rate (<0.05%) and good dimensional stability. Chemically, GPPS is resistant to water, acids, and alkalis but dissolves in solvents like toluene and acetone. It degrades under prolonged UV exposure, requiring stabilizers for outdoor use. The material’s thermal resistance is limited, with a continuous service temperature of up to 70°C.
Main Applications
GPPS is extensively used in the packaging industry for clamshell containers, DVD cases, and disposable cutlery due to its clarity and low cost. It is also employed in consumer goods such as cosmetic jars, stationery, and toys. In electronics, GPPS forms transparent housings for displays and light diffusers. Medical applications include Petri dishes and diagnostic equipment components, where sterility and transparency are critical. However, its brittleness limits use in high-impact scenarios, where HIPS or polycarbonate are preferred.
Safety and Storage
GPPS is generally considered non-toxic in solid form but emits styrene vapors when heated above 200°C, requiring proper ventilation during processing. Dust generated during cutting or sanding can irritate respiratory systems; PPE like masks is recommended. Storage should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight to prevent yellowing. Pellets or sheets must be kept dry to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect molding quality. Fire hazards are moderate—GPPS burns with a sooty flame and should be stored away from ignition sources.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing GPPS, prioritize suppliers with ISO certifications, especially for food-contact grades (e.g., FDA or EU compliance). Key specifications include melt flow index (MFI, typically 5–15 g/10 min) and yellowness index (YI) for optical clarity. Bulk buyers should negotiate prices based on volume, with discounts common for orders exceeding 20 metric tons. Consider logistics: GPPS pellets are typically shipped in 25-kg bags or bulk containers. Verify lead times, as production cycles for specialized grades may extend to 4–6 weeks.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：防火abs、PP、尼龙、gpps、HDPE、LDPE、巴塞尔、晓星、台塑、大林
- 主营：pp、HDPE、LDPE、gpps、LLDPE、ABS、PA66、PC、POM、TPU、PPO、TPE、TPV、PA6、PBT、色母、PETG
- 主营：聚丙烯、聚乙烯、标准料、食品级GPPS、高流动pp、塑胶颗粒、塑胶原料、电器外壳、塑料颗粒、家用货品电器
- 主营：家用电器、电子电器汽车、车灯底座、耐热级GPPS、医疗用品
- 主营：通用塑料、弹性体、工程塑料
- 主营：防护服、热熔胶、共聚物、GPPS塑料、导光板、聚合物、改性料、短纤维、异型材、聚酰胺、abs树脂、瓶盖料、聚丙烯、行李箱、灌浆机、发泡薄、手机壳、连接器、尼龙料、合金料、聚甲醛、密封件、聚氨酯、增韧剂、保护套、滑石粉
- 主营：拉丝注塑、透明塑料、扬子巴斯夫、GPPS、聚乙烯颗粒、ABS、PP、HIPS、LDPE、HDPE、LLDPE、PP-R
- 主营：TPEE、SEBS、SBS、gpps、TPU、TPE、PC、ABS、包胶料、tpe 材料、tpr 原料、tpe 塑料、abs 增韧、tpe 原料、tpe 颗粒材料、防火 tpe 包胶
- 主营：美国杜邦、德国巴斯夫、台湾奇美、食品级GPPS、韩国LG、三菱、东丽、上海科思创、基础创新塑料(南沙、台湾台塑、宁波台塑
- 主营：GPPS泰国石化GP150、工程塑料
- 主营：GPPS香港石化N1841、通用塑料、弹性体塑料、工程塑料
- 主营：悬浮粉、热熔胶、聚酰胺、高透明GPPS、醋酸乙、高耐热、高流量、玻璃珠、压克力、粘接剂、阻燃易、abs树脂、料胶粒、弹性体、密封胶、低凝胶、共聚物、密封件、改性剂、pa6沙伯、油墨pps、薄膜料、密封剂、聚烯烃、包胶料、热稳定
- 主营：聚乙烯、密封条、工程塑料、泰国石化PS、食品包装、通用塑料、管件袋子、照明灯具、电子电器、套管垫片、电线电缆、电子电气、橡胶塑料、电视外壳、电器用具、运动器材、食品级pctg、抗静电hips、聚丙烯粉料、电动照明工具、家具塑胶原料、家庭日用品电气
- 主营：塑胶原料
- 主营：科思创、tpe注塑、lde灯罩、GPPS525、pom塑料、pom塑胶、长玻纤、abs塑胶、紫外线、pa-757a01、表带料、导电tpr、fep塑胶、pa-737a03、tpu德国、pa-747a01、pom熔指、性导电、塑胶料、耐寒abs、威格斯、透明tpu、连接器、lcp小米、pa6塑胶、磨砂料