Transparent polystyrene in granules is the initial form of the finished product. When exposed to high temperatures on the gas that is inside these balls, it begins to swell. Because of this, they increase by about 10-30 times, while forming a cellular structure with each other.
Substance use
It is immediately worth noting that the only difference between regular and transparent polystyrene is that the second option is considered an excellent replacement for plexiglass, as it copes with its functions perfectly. Naturally, due to this, the substance is most widely used precisely as a substitute for glass. It is also important to note here that this substance is a cheaper option, but at the same time its physical and chemical properties are suitable for use not only outside but also inside.
Smooth transparent polystyrene is an excellent replacement in cases where it is necessary to carry out internal glazing of the room. In addition, the raw material perfectly transmits sunlight, but at the same time, the effect of such direct rays on the material itself causes yellowing, clouding, or even deterioration in strength characteristics.
Varieties
A distinctive feature of transparent polystyrene is that it can be used together with food products, that is, when it comes into contact with food, it will not lose its quality. Translucent variants of this raw material are excellent for installation as partitions in the shower or for doors of shower cabins, for example.
One of the varieties of this material is textured polystyrene. It is often used in the manufacture of suspended ceilings, fixtures, etc. The peculiarity of transparent polystyrene textured type is that it perfectly scatters the light, which is reflected from a large number of faces, can sparkle.
There is also polystyrene, which is called anti-reflective. Such a substance has one-sided processing, which will prevent the reflection of light sources. In order to avoid damage to any type of clear sheet polystyrene, it is usually coated with a protective film on both sides.
Chemical and physical properties of polystyrene
It is worth starting with the fact that this material is characterized by a rather low degree of moisture absorption, as well as a low indicator of resistance to radioactive radiation. In addition, the following qualities can be distinguished:
- high density of material;
- vapor tightness;
- the range of operating temperatures of polystyrene from -40 to +75 degrees Celsius;
- heat capacity and thermal conductivity;
- a fairly good coefficient of such an indicator as thermal expansion.
Fire hazard
We should also talk about such a quality as fire hazard. Transparent polystyrene 2 mm, 3 mm, etc. differs in that it belongs to the group of combustible materials. It is worth adding that even in combination with a concrete frame, polystyrene still retains this quality. The reason for this negative effect was that a high carbon content was observed in the composition. Because of this, firefighters usually show an increased interest in structures that are made from this raw material. However, it is worth knowing one very important fact. Despite the fact that the substance is combustible, it does not belong to the group of self-igniting. Transparent polystyrene can catch fire only from exposure to open flame.
With regard to technical and operational characteristics, they are as follows:
- the material is quite light and flexible;
- It lends itself well to various processing operations, cutting, etc.
- lasting;
- good resistance to acids and alkalis;
- It is considered shockproof and very easy to shape.
Material Composition
Polystyrene in its final form contains up to 92% carbon and 8% hydrogen. By-products such as sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen occupy a very small fraction. At normal temperature, polystyrene is a solid transparent glass. At 80 degrees Celsius, the elastic properties begin to increase, and melting occurs when heated to 239 degrees.
Description of High Impact Polystyrene
Transparent impact-resistant polystyrene is a sheet material that is characterized by resistance to cold, complete indifference to the effects of alkalis, as well as subtlety. Thanks to all these qualities, it is often used in the food industry. However, one way or another, this type of raw material is used in almost all areas of human activity due to the versatility of its properties. Depending on the processing method, it can be divided into several types:
- glossy and matte;
- smooth and embossed;
- transparent polystyrene light diffuser or, conversely, colored material.
Among the main advantages, the following points are highlighted:
- high durability and water tightness;
- possesses dielectric properties;
- if it is in solid form, it does not emit substances hazardous to humans;
- light machining;
- high resistance to frost;
- the material is easy enough to melt.
Among the disadvantages of sheet impact-resistant substance, its flammability is distinguished, as well as solubility in most compositions based on aromatic hydrocarbons.
Light scattering and extruded polystyrene
Conventional light-scattering polystyrene is quite similar to acrylic glass. Raw materials are considered very fragile and have a low density. But at the same time, the range of its use is quite wide.
Among the advantages of the material, high resistance to moisture stands out, because of which its useful life is quite long. The surface is completely smooth and has high transparency, due to which it is successfully used as a cheap substitute for plexiglass. Of the obvious shortcomings, not only fragility is distinguished, but also low resistance to ultraviolet rays and their effects.
In order to obtain extruded or, as it is also called, foamed polystyrene, it is necessary to heat the raw materials with the addition of a foaming agent and subsequent extrusion in the form of a sheet or roll material. The most widely used foamed polystyrene has received in the field of construction. It has been used as a universal insulation for about 60 years. Of the obvious advantages, reliability, high resistance to chemicals, moisture and mold can be distinguished. In addition, among all other types of polystyrene, this is considered the most environmentally friendly. Of the minuses, only one stands out - flammability, as for other types.
People who used polystyrene of any type were satisfied. The largest number of positive reviews was from those who installed this material as doors for showers. Some complained that in very hot weather, when exposed to sunlight, polystyrene began to smell and turn yellow.