High Impact Polystyrene[2]
Overview
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a modified form of general-purpose polystyrene that incorporates polybutadiene rubber particles to improve toughness. Developed in the 1960s, it combines the processability of polystyrene with significantly enhanced impact resistance. HIPS is particularly valued in industries requiring durable yet economical materials, with global production exceeding 5 million metric tons annually. The material's versatility stems from its balance of mechanical properties and ease of fabrication. Unlike standard polystyrene which is brittle, HIPS can withstand substantial mechanical stress without fracturing, making it suitable for protective packaging and structural applications where basic polystyrene would fail.
Physical and Chemical Properties
HIPS typically exhibits a density range of 1.03-1.06 g/cm³ and a melt flow index between 1.5-15 g/10 min (230°C/3.8 kg). Its rubber-modified structure provides notched Izod impact strengths of 2-4 ft-lb/in, approximately 5-10 times greater than standard polystyrene. The material maintains good rigidity with a flexural modulus around 1,400-2,100 MPa. Chemically, HIPS resists water, alcohols, and dilute acids but is attacked by aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, and ketones. It has a Vicat softening point of approximately 100°C and continuous use temperature up to 70°C. UV stabilizers are often added for outdoor applications, though prolonged sunlight exposure generally requires protective coatings.
Main Applications
Primary applications of HIPS include thermoformed packaging (blister packs, clamshell containers), refrigerator liners, and point-of-purchase displays. The electronics industry uses HIPS for printer and copier housings due to its electrostatic discharge (ESD) properties when compounded with additives. Automotive applications include interior trim components and instrument panel substrates. In consumer goods, HIPS is favored for toys, cosmetic packaging, and disposable cutlery. Its FDA-compliant grades dominate single-use food service items like drinking cups and takeout containers. Recent developments include flame-retardant grades for construction applications and high-gloss formulations for aesthetic surfaces.
Safety and Storage
HIPS is generally considered non-toxic in solid form, with FDA-compliant grades approved for food contact applications. However, processing at temperatures above 240°C can release styrene monomer, requiring adequate ventilation. Dust formation during machining should be controlled to prevent respiratory irritation. Proper storage involves keeping HIPS in original packaging at temperatures below 40°C and relative humidity below 80%. Pellets should be dried at 70-80°C for 2-4 hours before processing if exposed to humid conditions. Unlike some engineering plastics, HIPS doesn't require nitrogen blanketing during storage but should be protected from prolonged UV exposure to prevent surface degradation.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing HIPS, clearly specify required properties such as impact strength (measured by Izod or Charpy tests), melt flow rate for your processing method, and any regulatory certifications needed (FDA, RoHS, REACH). For packaging applications, clarify thickness tolerances and thermoforming characteristics. Automotive grades often require UL94 flame ratings and low VOC emissions. Major global suppliers include INEOS Styrolution, TotalEnergies, and Trinseo. Consider regional availability—Asian markets typically offer more commodity grades, while North American and European producers specialize in high-performance formulations. Bulk shipments (25 kg bags or supersacks) typically offer 10-15% cost savings versus small-quantity purchases. Request certificates of analysis for critical applications.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：中空板、新材料、改性料、改苯本色颗粒料、弹性体、颗粒料、聚丙烯、塑胶粒、再生料、加纤料、镭雕料、聚酰胺、塑料粒、板材料、包胶专、树脂料、抽粒料、硅胶料、防火abs、应用材料、模塑材料、耐高温料、电线电缆、合金塑胶、耐候原料、导电材料
- 主营：拉丝注塑、透明塑料、扬子巴斯夫、聚乙烯颗粒、ABS、PP、HIPS、GPPS、LDPE、HDPE、LLDPE、PP-R
- 主营：改性助剂、相溶剂、增韧剂、接枝料、丁晴橡胶粉、各类粉末、流变剂、油性水性液体橡胶、液体丁腈、液体丁苯、液体三元乙丙、液体丁基、SBS英全化学、液体顺丁/聚丁二烯、溶剂TPU、聚丁二烯橡胶RB系列
- 主营：液体橡胶、塑料增韧剂、相容剂、溶剂型TPU、橡胶粉末、英全SBS、聚丁二烯橡胶RB系列、可发性聚苯乙烯EPS、改性TPU
- 主营：胶黏剂、增硬剂、接枝料、通用料、液体橡胶、相容剂、pa尼龙粉、溶剂型TPU、透明Tpu
- 主营：POM、PET、PA、改苯、PC、TPEE、PPS
- 主营：--
- 主营：hips、耐高温注塑abs、塑料电器外壳、塑料玩具灯座件
- 主营：离心管、培养皿、样品管、移液器吸头、IVD诊断试剂瓶
- 主营：热塑性弹性体、石油树脂、SEBS、改苯HIPS塑料、SBS、SIS、TPU、TPV、阻燃TPU、抗静电TPU、增韧剂、氢化碳五树脂、氢化碳九树脂
- 主营：塑胶原料、工程塑料、铁氟龙、PTFE、HDPE、PVDF、PC、PP、pPA6、PA66、hhm5502lw、c2950-111、聚乙烯、ppo塑胶、pcg-3430r、t-45注塑、pc243r-111、pese2010g4、包装薄膜、电线电缆、照明灯具、蜡塑料pvc、汽车部件、耐低温热、塑料玩具
- 主营：改性再生料:ABS塑料、改性再生料:PP塑料、改性再生料:HIPS塑料、改性再生料:PC塑料、改性再生料:PC/ABS塑料、改性再生料:PA、改性再生料:PPO塑料、改性再生料:PBT塑料、改性再生料:POM塑料、改性再生料:PET塑料、改性再生料:PMMA塑料、改性再生料:PVC塑料、改性再生料:TPE塑料、改性再生料:TPU塑料