General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) PS

(C₈H₈)n · CAS 9003-53-6

Polystyrene is an amorphous thermoplastic made from styrene, C8H8.

15 sources · Updated 2026-10-19 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

5 of 5

Flown or field-proven

Softening

101 degC Vicat (VST/B/50)

Stiffness

3300 MPa tensile modulus

Impact

2.5 kJ/m2 GPPS, 2.0 to 2.8 ft-lb/in HIPS

Flow

2 to 25 g/10 min

Recipe, share of the weight

C not statedCarbon
H not statedHydrogen
C8H8 not statedStyrene

Best for

Rigid moulded parts that need a Vicat softening point near 101 degC and melt flow rates from 2 to 25 g/10 min at 200 degC/5 kg (Versalis grades read)

Weakest at

Brittleness in GPPS form, and atomic oxygen erosion in low Earth orbit (3.74e-24 cm3/atom on the MISSE 2 flight sample)

Risk at a glance

People None found. Styrene monomer classified (PubChem)
If it fails Moderate. Flammability
Corrosion Moderate. Atomic oxygen erodes PS in LEO at 3.74e-24 cm3/atom on the MISSE 2 flight sample.

Quick facts: PS

Key properties of PS
Property	Value	Basis
Density	1.04 to 1.05 g/cm³	6 sourced values across conditions
Yield strength	20.3 to 55 MPa	3 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength	13.8 to 53 MPa	3 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus	1.86 to 3.3 GPa	3 sourced values across conditions
Thermal conductivity	0.17 W/(m·K)	1 sourced value
Thermal expansion (CTE)	80 to 90 ppm/K	2 sourced values across conditions

What is the density of General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS)?

General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) has a density of 1.04 to 1.05 g/cm³. The range covers 6 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the thermal conductivity of General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS)?

General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) has a thermal conductivity of 0.17 W/(m·K). The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS)?

General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 80 to 90 ppm/K. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the yield strength of General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS)?

General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) has a yield strength of 20.3 to 55 MPa. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the tensile strength of General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS)?

General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) has a tensile strength of 13.8 to 53 MPa. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Machined prototypes, housings and covers (HIPS); Transparent sheet and photo frames (GPPS).

Why it exists

Polystyrene is a common, low-cost thermoplastic. General-purpose grades are clear, stiff and brittle; high-impact grades add a rubber phase to tolerate impact. The datasheets read here put GPPS density at about 1.04 g/cm3 (1048 kg/m3 for PS 158K), Vicat softening at 101 to 107 degC and heat deflection at 85 to 98 degC, and HIPS density at 1.04 g/cm3 with Vicat at 210 to 212 degF.

Where it's used

Structures (housings, covers, prototypes), HIPS

PlasticsIntl and Spartech list housings, covers and machined prototypes for HIPS.

Showcases, displays and photo frames, GPPS

INEOS PS 158K datasheet lists transparent sheet for these uses.

Packaging, CD cases and disposable cutlery

Wikipedia lists disposable cutlery, CD jewel cases and smoke detector housings, made from GPPS and HIPS.

Foam packaging, GPPS

INEOS PS 158K lists expanded sheet and foam containers (PSP and XPS) as applications.

Recipe

(C₈H₈)n; repeat unit C₈H₈, from the styrene monomer

Polystyrene is a vinyl polymer. Each repeat unit is one styrene monomer, C8H8, with a phenyl ring on a two-carbon chain (repeat unit [-CH2-CH(C6H5)-]n). HIPS adds a dispersed polybutadiene rubber phase (share not read). The polymerisation route is not sourced in this run.

What PS is made of
Ingredient	Share of the weight	What it does
Carbon C	not stated	Eight carbon atoms per styrene unit: six in the phenyl ring and two in the vinyl chain.
Hydrogen H	not stated	Eight hydrogen atoms per styrene unit. Carbon is about 92 percent and hydrogen about 8 percent of the repeat-unit weight, computed from these atomic weights.
Styrene C8H8	not stated	The monomer. Its vinyl group opens to form the chain; the phenyl group hangs off alternate carbons.

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Softening

101 degC Vicat (VST/B/50)

INEOS PS 158K (GPPS): Vicat 101 degC at 50 N; heat deflection 86 degC at 1.8 MPa.

Stiffness

3300 MPa tensile modulus

INEOS PS 158K tensile modulus at 23 degC (ISO 527); HIPS flexural modulus 270 kpsi (Plitek).

Impact

2.5 kJ/m2 GPPS, 2.0 to 2.8 ft-lb/in HIPS

Notched impact on GPPS (INEOS, ISO 180/A) and HIPS (ASTM D256). The units differ, so the two are not compared.

Flow

2 to 25 g/10 min

Melt flow rate at 200 degC and 5 kg across the Versalis grades read earlier; PS 158K 3 g/10 min; PS060H 6 g/10 min.

How it compares

No direct comparison with other polymers was made in this run. Compare against other profiles only after the missing HIPS and density values are sourced.

The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.

Benchmarks
Measurement	PS	ABS
Thermal behavior and safety
Heat deflection, method A, PS 158KValue printed in Thermal Properties table	86 °C¹⁰	80 °C
Heat deflection, method B, PS 158KValue printed in Thermal Properties table	98 °C¹¹	80 °C
Thermal conductivity, PS 158KValue printed in Thermal Properties table	0.17 W/(m K)	no data
Heat deflection temperature, GP 150IValue printed in Thermal table	92 °C¹⁶	80 °C
HDT at 264 psi (unannealed), PS060HPrinted as 185 (85) F (C)	85 °C²⁰	80 °C
HDT A, HIPS (CDS-8144)	183 degF²⁴	80 °C
HDT at 264 psi, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)Value printed in property table	185 degF	80 °C
HDT at 264 psi, HIPS (Spartech)Lower bound as printed (>180 F)	180 degF²⁵	80 °C
Physical and electrical
Density, PS 158K (GPPS)Value printed in Other Properties table	1048 kg/m3	1.04 g/cm³
Density, GP 150I (GPPS)Value printed in Physical table	1.04 g/cm³	1.04 g/cm³
Density, PS060H (GPPS)Value printed in Resin Property table	1.04 g/cm³	1.04 g/cm³
Density, HIPS (Plitek CDS-8144)Value printed in Physical Properties table	1.04 g/cm³	1.04 g/cm³
Specific gravity, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)Value printed; all values at 73 F	1.04 dimensionless	1.04 g/cm³
Specific gravity, HIPS (Spartech post-industrial)Value printed in Technical Properties table	1.04 dimensionless	1.04 g/cm³
Other measurements
Melt flow rate, Edistir N 3782	7.5 g/10 min¹	12 g/10 min
Vicat softening temperature, Edistir N 3782Value printed on the Versalis product page	101 °C	no data
Melt flow rate, Edistir N 3380Value printed on the Versalis product page	2 g/10 min²	12 g/10 min
Vicat softening temperature, Edistir N 3380Value printed on the Versalis product page	101 °C	no data
Melt flow rate, Edistir N 3982Value printed on the Versalis product page	25 g/10 min³	12 g/10 min
Vicat softening temperature, Edistir N 3982Value printed on the Versalis product page	101 °C	no data
Atomic oxygen erosion yield, MISSE 2 flight sample	3.74×10^-24 cm³/atom⁴	1.09×10^-24 cm³/atom
Atomic oxygen erosion yield, laser-detonation beam (PS film)	2.4×10^-24 g/atom⁵	1.09×10^-24 cm³/atom
Glass transition temperature (PS film, as printed in kelvin)	360 to 370 K⁶	no data
Melt flow rate, PS 158KValue printed in Rheological Properties table	3 g/10 min⁷	12 g/10 min
Tensile stress at yield, PS 158KValue printed in Mechanical Properties table	55 MPa	no data
Tensile modulus, PS 158KValue printed in Mechanical Properties table	3300 MPa	no data
Tensile strain at break, PS 158KValue printed in Mechanical Properties table	3 %	no data
Flexural strength, PS 158KValue printed in Mechanical Properties table	103 MPa	no data
Izod notched impact, PS 158KValue printed in Mechanical Properties table	2.5 kJ/m2	no data
Charpy notched impact, PS 158KValue printed in Mechanical Properties table	3 kJ/m2	no data
Vicat softening, VST/B/50, PS 158KValue printed in Thermal Properties table	101 °C⁸	no data
Vicat softening, B/1, PS 158KValue printed in Thermal Properties table	108 °C⁹	no data
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion, PS 158KValue printed in Thermal Properties table	80 10-6/°C	no data
Dielectric constant, 100 Hz, PS 158KValue printed in Electrical Properties table	2.5 dimensionless	no data
Melt flow index, GP 150IValue printed in Physical table	3 g/10 min	12 g/10 min
Tensile strength, GP 150I	520 kg/cm²¹²	no data
Elongation, GP 150IValue printed in Mechanical table	3.5 %	no data
Flexural strength, GP 150I	890 kg/cm²¹³	no data
Flexural modulus, GP 150I	33000 kg/cm²¹⁴	2200 MPa
Izod impact (3.2 mm), GP 150I	0.28 ft-lb/in¹⁵	no data
Vicat softening, GP 150IValue printed in Thermal table	105 °C¹⁷	no data
Melt flow rate, PS060HValue printed in Resin Property table	6 g/10 min¹⁸	12 g/10 min
Tensile strength at break, PS060HPrinted as 7,650 (53) psi (MPa); MPa value kept	53 MPa	no data
Tensile modulus, PS060H	3240 MPa¹⁹	no data
Break elongation, PS060HValue printed in Resin Property table	1.6 %	no data
Vicat temperature, PS060HPrinted as 225 (107) F (C)	107 °C	no data
Melt mass-flow rate, HIPS (CDS-8144)Value printed in Physical Properties table	3 g/10 min²¹	12 g/10 min
Tensile strength (yield), HIPS (CDS-8144)	2950 psi²²	no data
Tensile elongation at break, HIPS (CDS-8144)Value printed in Mechanical Properties table	55 %	no data
Tensile modulus, HIPS (CDS-8144)Printed as 270 kpsi; kept as printed	270 kpsi	no data
Flexural strength at 73 F, HIPS (CDS-8144)Value printed in Mechanical Properties table	6030 psi	no data
Flexural modulus at 73 F, HIPS (CDS-8144)Value printed in Mechanical Properties table	270 kpsi	2200 MPa
Notched Izod at 73 F, HIPS (CDS-8144)Value printed in Mechanical Properties table	2 ft-lb/in	no data
Vicat B/1, HIPS (CDS-8144)	212 degF²³	no data
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion, HIPS (CDS-8144)Printed as 0.5 x 10-4 /F; kept as printed	0.5 10-4/degF	no data
Dielectric constant at 10^6 Hz, HIPS (CDS-8144)Value printed in Electrical Properties table	2.5 dimensionless	no data
Dielectric strength, 1/8 in, HIPS (CDS-8144)Value printed in Electrical Properties table	400 kV/in	no data
Flexural modulus, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)Value printed in property table	2.4×10^5 psi	2200 MPa
Flexural strength at yield, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)Value printed in property table	4210 psi	no data
Notched Izod at 73 F, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)Value printed in property table	2.8 ft-lb/in	no data
Tensile elongation at break, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)Value printed in property table	50 %	no data
Tensile strength at yield, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)Lower bound as printed (>3,000 psi)	3000 psi	no data
Vicat softening, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)Value printed in property table	210 degF	no data
Notched Izod at 72 F, HIPS (Spartech)Lower bound as printed (>2.0 ft-lbs/in)	2 ft-lbs/in	no data
Tensile strength, HIPS (Spartech)Lower bound as printed (>2,000 psi)	2000 psi	no data
Tensile elongation at break, HIPS (Spartech)Lower bound as printed (>70 %)	70 %	no data

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

Rigid moulded parts that soften at about 101 degC (Vicat, GPPS PS 158K and Versalis grades).
Impact-tolerant housings and covers in HIPS grades (PlasticsIntl, Spartech).

Watch out for

Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit: 3.74e-24 cm3/atom on the MISSE 2 flight sample.
Brittleness of GPPS (Wikipedia; impact values in different units across datasheets).
Flammability: black smoke on burning (Wikipedia). Styrene monomer is a flammable, irritant, organ-toxic liquid (PubChem).

Polystyrene has well-documented softening and stiffness values across GPPS datasheets (density about 1.04 g/cm3 (1048 kg/m3 for PS 158K), Vicat 101 to 107 degC). HIPS adds impact tolerance at the cost of a lower Vicat value. Ageing (UV, solvent crazing), Tg and polymerisation route are still open, and the flight erosion value is for one unidentified grade.

Technical details

For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#	Measurement	Method	Conditions	Caveat
1	Melt flow rate, Edistir N 3782	Value printed on the Versalis product page, labelled Melt Flow Index 200 degC - 5 kg	temperature 200 °Cload 5 kggrade Edistir N 3782 (Versalis page lists it under its GPPS/HIPS range)	—
2	Melt flow rate, Edistir N 3380	—	temperature 200 °Cload 5 kggrade Edistir N 3380 (listed as high stiffness)	—
3	Melt flow rate, Edistir N 3982	—	temperature 200 °Cload 5 kggrade Edistir N 3982 (listed as easy flow)	—
4	Atomic oxygen erosion yield, MISSE 2 flight sample	Flight exposure; erosion yield taken from the NASA predictive-tool report as recorded in the passport	environment low Earth orbit, ISS, MISSE 2 PEC 2 tray 1 (outside the Quest airlock)start 2001-08-16end 2005-07-30duration years 3.95atomic oxygen fluence 8.43e21 atoms/cm2solar exposure 5000-6700 equivalent sun hoursgrade not stated in the passport	—
5	Atomic oxygen erosion yield, laser-detonation beam (PS film)	Mass-loss yield printed in the text (no table); the paper gives it in g/atom, not converted here	source of oxygen laser-detonation atomic oxygen beam (ground test)film commercial PS film, 25 to 30 um thickreference Kapton used as fluence reference	Ground beam test, not flight. Units differ from the flight value above (g/atom against cm3/atom); do not compare the two without a density.
6	Glass transition temperature (PS film, as printed in kelvin)	Range stated in an open-access paper, citing earlier work	basis range printed in the paper for polystyrenenote printed in kelvin; not converted	—
7	Melt flow rate, PS 158K	—	temperature 200 °Cload 5 kgstandard ISO 1133	—
8	Vicat softening, VST/B/50, PS 158K	—	load 50 Nheating rate 50 °C/hstandard ISO 306	—
9	Vicat softening, B/1, PS 158K	—	load 10 Nheating rate 120 °C/hstandard ASTM D 1525	—
10	Heat deflection, method A, PS 158K	—	load 1.8 MPaanneal 4 h at 80 °Cstandard ISO 75	—
11	Heat deflection, method B, PS 158K	—	load 0.45 MPaanneal 4 h at 80 °Cstandard ISO 75	—
12	Tensile strength, GP 150I	Value printed in Mechanical table (kg/cm2 as printed)	standard ASTM D638printed also 7,384 psi	—
13	Flexural strength, GP 150I	Value printed in Mechanical table (kg/cm2 as printed)	standard ASTM D790printed also 12,638 psi	—
14	Flexural modulus, GP 150I	Value printed in Mechanical table (kg/cm2 as printed)	standard ASTM D790printed also 468,600 psi	—
15	Izod impact (3.2 mm), GP 150I	Value printed in Mechanical table, ft-lb/in column	standard ASTM D256printed also 1.5 kgcm/cm	—
16	Heat deflection temperature, GP 150I	—	load 18.6 kgf/cm2standard ASTM D648printed also 198 F	—
17	Vicat softening, GP 150I	—	load 1 kgheating rate 50 °C/hstandard ASTM D1525printed also 221 F	—
18	Melt flow rate, PS060H	—	temperature 200 °Cload 5.0 kgstandard ASTM D-1238	—
19	Tensile modulus, PS060H	Printed as 470,000 (3,240) psi (MPa); MPa value kept	standard ASTM D-638printed also 470,000 psi	—
20	HDT at 264 psi (unannealed), PS060H	—	load 264 psistandard ASTM D-648printed also 185 F	—
21	Melt mass-flow rate, HIPS (CDS-8144)	—	temperature 200 °Cload 5.0 kgstandard ASTM D1238	—
22	Tensile strength (yield), HIPS (CDS-8144)	Value printed in Mechanical Properties table; psi kept as printed	standard ASTM D638	—
23	Vicat B/1, HIPS (CDS-8144)	Value printed in Thermal Properties table; degF kept as printed	load 10 Nheating rate 120 °C/hstandard ASTM D1525	—
24	HDT A, HIPS (CDS-8144)	Value printed in Thermal Properties table; standard not named in the sheet	load 261 psianneal 4 h at 80 °C	—
25	HDT at 264 psi, HIPS (Spartech)	—	load 264 psistandard ASTM D-648note printed as greater than 180 F	—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
Environment	Concern	What happens
Low Earth orbit, atomic oxygen	moderate	Atomic oxygen erodes PS in LEO at 3.74e-24 cm3/atom on the MISSE 2 flight sample.¹
Fire	not rated	Polystyrene is flammable and releases large amounts of black smoke.²
Mechanical impact at room temperature	not rated	General-purpose PS is hard and brittle; HIPS is toughened with a rubber phase.³

Corrosion details
#	Environment	Details	Test conditions
1	Low Earth orbit, atomic oxygen	The flight sample lost material at 3.74e-24 cm3/atom over 3.95 years at a fluence of 8.43e21 atoms/cm2. The laser-beam test on PS film gave a mass-loss yield of 2.4e-24 g/atom, and the paper reports nanoscale protrusions forming on the surface. Grade and film thickness of the flight sample are not stated.	flight MISSE 2, LEO, 2001 to 2005ground laser-detonation atomic oxygen beam, Kapton reference, PS film 25 to 30 um
2	Fire	Burning polystyrene gives off large amounts of black smoke. The UL 94 HB rating of the Vinpol and Plitek sheets is a horizontal-burn class, not a fire-resistance grade.	basis general description; no burn test value read
3	Mechanical impact at room temperature	Wikipedia describes GPPS as clear, hard and brittle and says a polybutadiene rubber phase in HIPS changes this. Datasheet impact figures are in the properties above.	basis general description

Risks and side effects

Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.

For people

The styrene monomer is classified in PubChem (ECHA aggregate). The solid polymer was not separately read.

Status: Flammable liquid, skin and eye irritant, harmful if inhaled, organ damage on repeated exposure (H226, H315, H319, H332, H372). Check the supplier SDS before handling the monomer.

In service

Atomic oxygen: On the NASA MISSE 2 flight sample in low Earth orbit, erosion was 3.74e-24 cm3/atom over 3.95 years.

Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.

Failure risks

Failure risks
Failure	Trigger and consequence
Brittleness of GPPSlow severity	Impact on general-purpose (non-impact-modified) polystyreneWikipedia describes general-purpose polystyrene as clear, hard and brittle, and says the rubber phase of HIPS changes that behaviour. Datasheets give GPPS Izod 2.5 kJ/m2 (INEOS PS 158K, ISO 180/A) and HIPS Izod 2.0 to 2.8 ft-lb/in (ASTM D256); the units differ and are not compared directly.
Flammabilitymoderate severity	Ignition of polystyrene in service or in a firePolystyrene is flammable and releases large amounts of black smoke on burning. Vinmar PS060H and Plitek CDS-8144 are rated UL 94 HB.

Handling and storage

Styrene monomer (PubChem ECHA aggregate): P210 keep away from heat, P261 avoid breathing vapour, P280 wear protective gloves, eye protection and face protection, P403+P235 keep cool and well ventilated, P501 dispose of contents per regulations.

Supply and geography

How common the raw materials are and where they come from.

Styrene (monomer, feedstock for polystyrene)

Styrene is typically made from benzene. About 25 million tonnes were produced in 2010, rising to around 35 million tonnes by 2018 (global, Wikipedia).

Documents

Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.

Documents
Document	Type	Year
Versalis Edistir N 3782, GPPS/HIPS product page	datasheet
Versalis Edistir N 3380, GPPS/HIPS product page	datasheet
Versalis Edistir N 3982, GPPS/HIPS product page	datasheet
NASA/TM-2008-215490, Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in LEO	report	2008
Goto, Yamashita, Tagawa, Langmuir 2022, Formation of Nanoscale Protrusions on Polymer Films after Atomic Oxygen Irradiation	paper	2022
NIST WebBook, polystyrene (CAS 9003-53-6)	database
INEOS Styrolution PS 158K GPPS datasheet (plasticker copy)	datasheet
KKPC GP 150I GPPS technical data sheet	datasheet
Vinpol PS060H general purpose polystyrene	datasheet
Plitek CDS-8144 high impact polystyrene	datasheet
PlasticsIntl HIPS data sheet	datasheet
Spartech post-industrial recycled HIPS TDS	datasheet
PubChem CID 7501 styrene	database

Full record

The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.

Show the full YAML

spore: profile
id: ps
spore_version: 0.2
family: engineering-polymers
name: General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS)
abbreviation: PS
role: 'Rigid thermoplastic for moulding, packaging and foams (GPPS: clear and brittle; HIPS: rubber-toughened)'
category: polymers
type: styrenics
summary: |
  Polystyrene is an amorphous thermoplastic made from styrene, C8H8. General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) is clear and hard but brittle. High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) is toughened by a dispersed rubber phase, usually polybutadiene. Three Versalis GPPS and HIPS-range grades were read for this profile, all at a Vicat softening point of 101 degC. In a NASA MISSE 2 flight exposure, a polystyrene sample in low Earth orbit had an atomic oxygen erosion yield of 3.74e-24 cm3/atom. The passport does not state whether that sample was GPPS or HIPS.
best_for: Rigid moulded parts that need a Vicat softening point near 101 degC and melt flow rates from 2 to 25 g/10 min at 200 degC/5 kg (Versalis grades read)
weakest_at: Brittleness in GPPS form, and atomic oxygen erosion in low Earth orbit (3.74e-24 cm3/atom on the MISSE 2 flight sample)
identity:
  formula: (C8H8)n; repeat unit C8H8, from the styrene monomer
  cas: 9003-53-6
  source: nist-webbook
  where: 'NIST WebBook entry for polystyrene (Styrene, oligomers page): CAS 9003-53-6, monomer formula C8H8. Repeat-unit description from Wikipedia (Polystyrene)'
tags:
  environments:
    - low-earth-orbit
  stresses:
    - atomic-oxygen
    - uv
    - total-radiation-dose
    - thermal-cycling
    - vacuum-and-outgassing
  applications: []
properties:
  - benchmark: melt_flow_rate
    label: Melt flow rate, Edistir N 3782
    value: 7.5
    unit: g/10 min
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 200 degC
      load: 5 kg
      grade: Edistir N 3782 (Versalis page lists it under its GPPS/HIPS range)
    method: Value printed on the Versalis product page, labelled Melt Flow Index 200 degC - 5 kg
    status: ground
    source: versalis-n3782
    where: Product data table, Melt Flow Index row
  - benchmark: vicat_softening
    label: Vicat softening temperature, Edistir N 3782
    value: 101
    unit: degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      method: Vicat B, 50 N load, 50 degC/h
      grade: Edistir N 3782
    method: Value printed on the Versalis product page
    status: ground
    source: versalis-n3782
    where: Product data table, Vicat Softening Temperature row
  - benchmark: melt_flow_rate
    label: Melt flow rate, Edistir N 3380
    value: 2
    unit: g/10 min
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 200 degC
      load: 5 kg
      grade: Edistir N 3380 (listed as high stiffness)
    method: Value printed on the Versalis product page
    status: ground
    source: versalis-n3380
    where: Product data table, Melt Flow Index row
  - benchmark: vicat_softening
    label: Vicat softening temperature, Edistir N 3380
    value: 101
    unit: degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      method: Vicat B, 50 N load, 50 degC/h
      grade: Edistir N 3380
    method: Value printed on the Versalis product page
    status: ground
    source: versalis-n3380
    where: Product data table, Vicat Softening Temperature row
  - benchmark: melt_flow_rate
    label: Melt flow rate, Edistir N 3982
    value: 25
    unit: g/10 min
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 200 degC
      load: 5 kg
      grade: Edistir N 3982 (listed as easy flow)
    method: Value printed on the Versalis product page
    status: ground
    source: versalis-n3982
    where: Product data table, Melt Flow Index row
  - benchmark: vicat_softening
    label: Vicat softening temperature, Edistir N 3982
    value: 101
    unit: degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      method: Vicat B, 50 N load, 50 degC/h
      grade: Edistir N 3982
    method: Value printed on the Versalis product page
    status: ground
    source: versalis-n3982
    where: Product data table, Vicat Softening Temperature row
  - benchmark: atomic_oxygen_erosion_yield
    label: Atomic oxygen erosion yield, MISSE 2 flight sample
    value: 3.74e-24
    unit: cm3/atom
    scope: material
    conditions:
      environment: low Earth orbit, ISS, MISSE 2 PEC 2 tray 1 (outside the Quest airlock)
      start: '2001-08-16'
      end: '2005-07-30'
      duration_years: 3.95
      atomic_oxygen_fluence: 8.43e21 atoms/cm2
      solar_exposure: 5000-6700 equivalent sun hours
      grade: not stated in the passport
    method: Flight exposure; erosion yield taken from the NASA predictive-tool report as recorded in the passport
    status: flight
    source: misse2-ps-tm
    where: Table I (as recorded in spores/passports/misse2-ps.yaml); exposure details in section 2.1
  - benchmark: atomic_oxygen_erosion_yield
    label: Atomic oxygen erosion yield, laser-detonation beam (PS film)
    value: 2.4e-24
    unit: g/atom
    scope: material
    conditions:
      source_of_oxygen: laser-detonation atomic oxygen beam (ground test)
      film: commercial PS film, 25 to 30 um thick
      reference: Kapton used as fluence reference
    method: Mass-loss yield printed in the text (no table); the paper gives it in g/atom, not converted here
    status: ground
    note: Ground beam test, not flight. Units differ from the flight value above (g/atom against cm3/atom); do not compare the two without a density.
    source: goto2022
    where: Section 3.3, Mass Losses of Polymers
  - benchmark: glass_transition
    label: Glass transition temperature (PS film, as printed in kelvin)
    value: 360
    value_high: 370
    bound: range
    unit: K
    scope: material
    conditions:
      basis: range printed in the paper for polystyrene
      note: printed in kelvin; not converted
    method: Range stated in an open-access paper, citing earlier work
    status: ground
    source: goto2022
    where: Section 3.2 (citing refs 54 and 55)
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, PS 158K (GPPS)
    value: 1048
    unit: kg/m3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ISO 1183
      grade: Styrolution PS 158K (GPPS)
    method: Value printed in Other Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Other Properties, Density row
  - benchmark: melt_flow_rate
    label: Melt flow rate, PS 158K
    value: 3
    unit: g/10 min
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 200 degC
      load: 5 kg
      standard: ISO 1133
    method: Value printed in Rheological Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Rheological Properties, Melt Flow Rate row
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Tensile stress at yield, PS 158K
    value: 55
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 23 degC
      standard: ISO 527
    method: Value printed in Mechanical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Mechanical Properties, Tensile Stress at Yield row
  - benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Tensile modulus, PS 158K
    value: 3300
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 23 degC
      standard: ISO 527
    method: Value printed in Mechanical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Mechanical Properties, Tensile Modulus row
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Tensile strain at break, PS 158K
    value: 3
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 23 degC
      standard: ISO 527
    method: Value printed in Mechanical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Mechanical Properties, Tensile Strain at Break row
  - benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength, PS 158K
    value: 103
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 23 degC
      standard: ISO 178
    method: Value printed in Mechanical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Mechanical Properties, Flexural Strength row
  - benchmark: izod_notched_impact
    label: Izod notched impact, PS 158K
    value: 2.5
    unit: kJ/m2
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 23 degC
      standard: ISO 180/A
    method: Value printed in Mechanical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Mechanical Properties, Izod Notched Impact row
  - benchmark: charpy_notched_impact
    label: Charpy notched impact, PS 158K
    value: 3
    unit: kJ/m2
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 23 degC
      standard: ISO 179/1eA
    method: Value printed in Mechanical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Mechanical Properties, Charpy Notched row
  - benchmark: vicat_softening
    label: Vicat softening, VST/B/50, PS 158K
    value: 101
    unit: degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      load: 50 N
      heating_rate: 50 degC/h
      standard: ISO 306
    method: Value printed in Thermal Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Thermal Properties, VST/B/50 row
  - benchmark: vicat_softening
    label: Vicat softening, B/1, PS 158K
    value: 108
    unit: degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      load: 10 N
      heating_rate: 120 degC/h
      standard: ASTM D 1525
    method: Value printed in Thermal Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Thermal Properties, Vicat B/1 row
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection, method A, PS 158K
    value: 86
    unit: degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      load: 1.8 MPa
      anneal: 4 h at 80 degC
      standard: ISO 75
    method: Value printed in Thermal Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Thermal Properties, HDT A row
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection, method B, PS 158K
    value: 98
    unit: degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      load: 0.45 MPa
      anneal: 4 h at 80 degC
      standard: ISO 75
    method: Value printed in Thermal Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Thermal Properties, HDT B row
  - benchmark: cte
    label: Coefficient of linear thermal expansion, PS 158K
    value: 80
    unit: 10-6/degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ISO 11359
    method: Value printed in Thermal Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Thermal Properties, CLTE row
  - benchmark: thermal_conductivity
    label: Thermal conductivity, PS 158K
    value: 0.17
    unit: W/(m K)
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: DIN 52612-1
    method: Value printed in Thermal Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Thermal Properties, Thermal Conductivity row
  - benchmark: dielectric_constant
    label: Dielectric constant, 100 Hz, PS 158K
    value: 2.5
    unit: dimensionless
    scope: material
    conditions:
      frequency: 100 Hz
      standard: IEC 62631-2-1
    method: Value printed in Electrical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Electrical Properties, Dielectric Constant row
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, GP 150I (GPPS)
    value: 1.04
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: KKPC GP 150I (GPPS)
    method: Value printed in Physical table
    status: ground
    source: kkpc-gp150i
    where: Physical, Density row
  - benchmark: melt_flow_rate
    label: Melt flow index, GP 150I
    value: 3
    unit: g/10 min
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 200 degC
      load: 5 kg
    method: Value printed in Physical table
    status: ground
    source: kkpc-gp150i
    where: Physical, Melt Flow Index row
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, GP 150I
    value: 520
    unit: kg/cm2
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D638
      printed_also: 7,384 psi
    method: Value printed in Mechanical table (kg/cm2 as printed)
    status: ground
    source: kkpc-gp150i
    where: Mechanical, Tensile Strength row
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation, GP 150I
    value: 3.5
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D638
    method: Value printed in Mechanical table
    status: ground
    source: kkpc-gp150i
    where: Mechanical, Elongation row
  - benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength, GP 150I
    value: 890
    unit: kg/cm2
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D790
      printed_also: 12,638 psi
    method: Value printed in Mechanical table (kg/cm2 as printed)
    status: ground
    source: kkpc-gp150i
    where: Mechanical, Flexural Strength row
  - benchmark: flexural_modulus
    label: Flexural modulus, GP 150I
    value: 33000
    unit: kg/cm2
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D790
      printed_also: 468,600 psi
    method: Value printed in Mechanical table (kg/cm2 as printed)
    status: ground
    source: kkpc-gp150i
    where: Mechanical, Flexural Modulus row
  - benchmark: izod_notched_impact
    label: Izod impact (3.2 mm), GP 150I
    value: 0.28
    unit: ft-lb/in
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D256
      printed_also: 1.5 kgcm/cm
    method: Value printed in Mechanical table, ft-lb/in column
    status: ground
    source: kkpc-gp150i
    where: Mechanical, Izod Impact Strength row
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature, GP 150I
    value: 92
    unit: degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      load: 18.6 kgf/cm2
      standard: ASTM D648
      printed_also: 198 F
    method: Value printed in Thermal table
    status: ground
    source: kkpc-gp150i
    where: Thermal, Heat Deflection Temperature row
  - benchmark: vicat_softening
    label: Vicat softening, GP 150I
    value: 105
    unit: degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      load: 1 kg
      heating_rate: 50 degC/h
      standard: ASTM D1525
      printed_also: 221 F
    method: Value printed in Thermal table
    status: ground
    source: kkpc-gp150i
    where: Thermal, Vicat Softening Temperature row
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, PS060H (GPPS)
    value: 1.04
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D-792
      grade: Vinpol PS060H
    method: Value printed in Resin Property table
    status: ground
    source: vinmar-ps060h
    where: Resin Property table, Density row
  - benchmark: melt_flow_rate
    label: Melt flow rate, PS060H
    value: 6
    unit: g/10 min
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 200 degC
      load: 5.0 kg
      standard: ASTM D-1238
    method: Value printed in Resin Property table
    status: ground
    source: vinmar-ps060h
    where: Resin Property table, Melt Flow Rate row
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength at break, PS060H
    value: 53
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D-638
      printed_also: 7,650 psi
    method: Printed as 7,650 (53) psi (MPa); MPa value kept
    status: ground
    source: vinmar-ps060h
    where: Resin Property table, Tensile Strength Break row
  - benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Tensile modulus, PS060H
    value: 3240
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D-638
      printed_also: 470,000 psi
    method: Printed as 470,000 (3,240) psi (MPa); MPa value kept
    status: ground
    source: vinmar-ps060h
    where: Resin Property table, Tensile Modulus row
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Break elongation, PS060H
    value: 1.6
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D-638
    method: Value printed in Resin Property table
    status: ground
    source: vinmar-ps060h
    where: Resin Property table, Break Elongation row
  - benchmark: vicat_softening
    label: Vicat temperature, PS060H
    value: 107
    unit: degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D-1525
      printed_also: 225 F
    method: Printed as 225 (107) F (C)
    status: ground
    source: vinmar-ps060h
    where: Resin Property table, Vicat Temperature row
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: HDT at 264 psi (unannealed), PS060H
    value: 85
    unit: degC
    scope: material
    conditions:
      load: 264 psi
      standard: ASTM D-648
      printed_also: 185 F
    method: Printed as 185 (85) F (C)
    status: ground
    source: vinmar-ps060h
    where: Resin Property table, HDT row
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, HIPS (Plitek CDS-8144)
    value: 1.04
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D792
      material: High impact polystyrene
    method: Value printed in Physical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Physical Properties, Density row
  - benchmark: melt_flow_rate
    label: Melt mass-flow rate, HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 3
    unit: g/10 min
    scope: material
    conditions:
      temperature: 200 degC
      load: 5.0 kg
      standard: ASTM D1238
    method: Value printed in Physical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Physical Properties, MFR row
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Tensile strength (yield), HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 2950
    unit: psi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D638
    method: Value printed in Mechanical Properties table; psi kept as printed
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Mechanical Properties, Tensile Strength (Yield) row
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Tensile elongation at break, HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 55
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D638
    method: Value printed in Mechanical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Mechanical Properties, Tensile Elongation row
  - benchmark: elastic_modulus
    label: Tensile modulus, HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 270
    unit: kpsi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D638
    method: Printed as 270 kpsi; kept as printed
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Mechanical Properties, Tensile Modulus row
  - benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength at 73 F, HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 6030
    unit: psi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D790
      temperature: 73 F
    method: Value printed in Mechanical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Mechanical Properties, Flexural Strength row
  - benchmark: flexural_modulus
    label: Flexural modulus at 73 F, HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 270
    unit: kpsi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D790
      temperature: 73 F
    method: Value printed in Mechanical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Mechanical Properties, Flexural Modulus row
  - benchmark: izod_notched_impact
    label: Notched Izod at 73 F, HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 2
    unit: ft-lb/in
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D256
      temperature: 73 F
    method: Value printed in Mechanical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Mechanical Properties, Notched Izod row
  - benchmark: vicat_softening
    label: Vicat B/1, HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 212
    unit: degF
    scope: material
    conditions:
      load: 10 N
      heating_rate: 120 degC/h
      standard: ASTM D1525
    method: Value printed in Thermal Properties table; degF kept as printed
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Thermal Properties, Vicat Softening row
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: HDT A, HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 183
    unit: degF
    scope: material
    conditions:
      load: 261 psi
      anneal: 4 h at 80 degC
    method: Value printed in Thermal Properties table; standard not named in the sheet
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Thermal Properties, Heat Deflection Temperature row
  - benchmark: cte
    label: Coefficient of linear thermal expansion, HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 0.5
    unit: 10-4/degF
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D696
    method: Printed as 0.5 x 10-4 /F; kept as printed
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Thermal Properties, CTE row
  - benchmark: dielectric_constant
    label: Dielectric constant at 10^6 Hz, HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 2.5
    unit: dimensionless
    scope: material
    conditions:
      frequency: 10^6 Hz
      standard: ASTM D150
    method: Value printed in Electrical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Electrical Properties, Dielectric Constant row
  - benchmark: dielectric_strength
    label: Dielectric strength, 1/8 in, HIPS (CDS-8144)
    value: 400
    unit: kV/in
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D149
    method: Value printed in Electrical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: plitek-cds8144
    where: Electrical Properties, Dielectric Strength row
  - benchmark: density
    label: Specific gravity, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)
    value: 1.04
    unit: dimensionless
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D792
      material: HIPS, typical base resin
    method: Value printed; all values at 73 F
    status: ground
    source: plasticsintl-hips
    where: Physical, Specific Gravity row
  - benchmark: flexural_modulus
    label: Flexural modulus, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)
    value: 240000
    unit: psi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D790
    method: Value printed in property table
    status: ground
    source: plasticsintl-hips
    where: Mechanical, Flexural Modulus row
  - benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength at yield, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)
    value: 4210
    unit: psi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D790
    method: Value printed in property table
    status: ground
    source: plasticsintl-hips
    where: Mechanical, Flexural Strength at yield row
  - benchmark: izod_notched_impact
    label: Notched Izod at 73 F, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)
    value: 2.8
    unit: ft-lb/in
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D256
      temperature: 73 F
    method: Value printed in property table
    status: ground
    source: plasticsintl-hips
    where: Mechanical, Izod Impact Strength notched row
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Tensile elongation at break, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)
    value: 50
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D638
    method: Value printed in property table
    status: ground
    source: plasticsintl-hips
    where: Mechanical, Tensile Elongation at break row
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Tensile strength at yield, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)
    value: 3000
    unit: psi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D638
      note: printed as greater than 3,000 psi
    method: Lower bound as printed (>3,000 psi)
    status: ground
    source: plasticsintl-hips
    where: Mechanical, Tensile Strength at yield row
  - benchmark: vicat_softening
    label: Vicat softening, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)
    value: 210
    unit: degF
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D1525
    method: Value printed in property table
    status: ground
    source: plasticsintl-hips
    where: Thermal, Vicat Softening Temp row
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: HDT at 264 psi, HIPS (PlasticsIntl)
    value: 185
    unit: degF
    scope: material
    conditions:
      load: 264 psi
      standard: ASTM D648
    method: Value printed in property table
    status: ground
    source: plasticsintl-hips
    where: Thermal, HDT @264 psi row
  - benchmark: density
    label: Specific gravity, HIPS (Spartech post-industrial)
    value: 1.04
    unit: dimensionless
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D-792
      material: Post-industrial recycled HIPS, 50 to 100 percent recycled content
    method: Value printed in Technical Properties table
    status: ground
    source: spartech-hips
    where: Technical Properties, Specific Gravity row
  - benchmark: izod_notched_impact
    label: Notched Izod at 72 F, HIPS (Spartech)
    value: 2
    unit: ft-lbs/in
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D-256
      note: printed as greater than 2.0
    method: Lower bound as printed (>2.0 ft-lbs/in)
    status: ground
    source: spartech-hips
    where: Technical Properties, Izod Impact row
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: HDT at 264 psi, HIPS (Spartech)
    value: 180
    unit: degF
    scope: material
    conditions:
      load: 264 psi
      standard: ASTM D-648
      note: printed as greater than 180 F
    method: Lower bound as printed (>180 F)
    status: ground
    source: spartech-hips
    where: Technical Properties, HDT row
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength, HIPS (Spartech)
    value: 2000
    unit: psi
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D-638
      note: printed as greater than 2,000 psi
    method: Lower bound as printed (>2,000 psi)
    status: ground
    source: spartech-hips
    where: Technical Properties, Tensile Strength row
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Tensile elongation at break, HIPS (Spartech)
    value: 70
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      standard: ASTM D-638
      note: printed as greater than 70 percent
    method: Lower bound as printed (>70 %)
    status: ground
    source: spartech-hips
    where: Technical Properties, Tensile Elongation row
corrosion:
  - environment: Low Earth orbit, atomic oxygen
    headline: Atomic oxygen erodes PS in LEO at 3.74e-24 cm3/atom on the MISSE 2 flight sample.
    effect: The flight sample lost material at 3.74e-24 cm3/atom over 3.95 years at a fluence of 8.43e21 atoms/cm2. The laser-beam test on PS film gave a mass-loss yield of 2.4e-24 g/atom, and the paper reports nanoscale protrusions forming on the surface. Grade and film thickness of the flight sample are not stated.
    rating: moderate
    conditions:
      flight: MISSE 2, LEO, 2001 to 2005
      ground: laser-detonation atomic oxygen beam, Kapton reference, PS film 25 to 30 um
    source: misse2-ps-tm
    where: Table I (passport); Goto 2022 Section 3.3
  - environment: Fire
    headline: Polystyrene is flammable and releases large amounts of black smoke.
    effect: Burning polystyrene gives off large amounts of black smoke. The UL 94 HB rating of the Vinpol and Plitek sheets is a horizontal-burn class, not a fire-resistance grade.
    rating: unknown
    conditions:
      basis: general description; no burn test value read
    source: wikipedia-ps
    where: Structure and production section; PS060H and CDS-8144 flammability rows
  - environment: Mechanical impact at room temperature
    headline: General-purpose PS is hard and brittle; HIPS is toughened with a rubber phase.
    effect: Wikipedia describes GPPS as clear, hard and brittle and says a polybutadiene rubber phase in HIPS changes this. Datasheet impact figures are in the properties above.
    rating: unknown
    conditions:
      basis: general description
    source: wikipedia-ps
    where: Lead section; Impact-resistant polystyrene section
risks:
  hazards:
    - text: 'Styrene monomer (CAS 100-42-5), ECHA aggregate in PubChem: flammable liquid and vapour (H226), causes skin irritation (H315), causes serious eye irritation (H319), harmful if inhaled (H332), may cause respiratory irritation (H335), causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (H372, 73.8% of notifications). The hazard is for the monomer; the solid polymer was not read.'
      ghs:
        - H226
        - H315
        - H319
        - H332
        - H335
        - H372
      source: pubchem-styrene
      where: PubChem CID 7501, GHS Classification (ECHA C&L aggregate, Danger)
  failure_risks:
    - mode: Brittleness of GPPS
      trigger: Impact on general-purpose (non-impact-modified) polystyrene
      consequence: Wikipedia describes general-purpose polystyrene as clear, hard and brittle, and says the rubber phase of HIPS changes that behaviour. Datasheets give GPPS Izod 2.5 kJ/m2 (INEOS PS 158K, ISO 180/A) and HIPS Izod 2.0 to 2.8 ft-lb/in (ASTM D256); the units differ and are not compared directly.
      severity: low
      source: wikipedia-ps
      where: Polystyrene article, general description; INEOS PS 158K and Plitek CDS-8144 Izod rows
    - mode: Flammability
      trigger: Ignition of polystyrene in service or in a fire
      consequence: Polystyrene is flammable and releases large amounts of black smoke on burning. Vinmar PS060H and Plitek CDS-8144 are rated UL 94 HB.
      severity: moderate
      source: wikipedia-ps
      where: Polystyrene article, Structure and production section; Vinpol PS060H and Plitek CDS-8144 flammability rows
  side_effects: []
  handling:
    - text: 'Styrene monomer (PubChem ECHA aggregate): P210 keep away from heat, P261 avoid breathing vapour, P280 wear protective gloves, eye protection and face protection, P403+P235 keep cool and well ventilated, P501 dispose of contents per regulations.'
      ghs: []
      source: pubchem-styrene
      where: PubChem CID 7501, Precautionary Statement Codes (ECHA aggregate)
  mitigations: []
uses:
  - application: structures
    device: Machined prototypes, housings and covers (HIPS)
    example: PlasticsIntl HIPS sheet lists machined prototypes, low-strength structural components, housings and covers as applications.
    source: plasticsintl-hips
    where: Applications Include list
  - application: structures
    device: Transparent sheet and photo frames (GPPS)
    example: INEOS PS 158K lists transparent sheet for showcases and displays, consumer electronics and photo frames.
    source: ineos-158k
    where: Applications, PS 158K datasheet
supply:
  - subject: Styrene (monomer, feedstock for polystyrene)
    abundance: Styrene is typically made from benzene. About 25 million tonnes were produced in 2010, rising to around 35 million tonnes by 2018 (global, Wikipedia).
    producers: []
    critical_lists: []
    source: wikipedia-styrene
    where: Styrene article, lead and Industrial production section
media: []
documents:
  - title: Versalis Edistir N 3782, GPPS/HIPS product page
    type: datasheet
    url: https://versalis.eni.com/en-IT/portfolio/polymers/styrenics/gpps-hips/n-3782.html
  - title: Versalis Edistir N 3380, GPPS/HIPS product page
    type: datasheet
    url: https://versalis.eni.com/en-IT/portfolio/polymers/styrenics/gpps-hips/n-3380.html
  - title: Versalis Edistir N 3982, GPPS/HIPS product page
    type: datasheet
    url: https://versalis.eni.com/en-IT/portfolio/polymers/styrenics/gpps-hips/n-3982.html
  - title: NASA/TM-2008-215490, Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in LEO
    type: report
    url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20090011780
    year: 2008
  - title: Goto, Yamashita, Tagawa, Langmuir 2022, Formation of Nanoscale Protrusions on Polymer Films after Atomic Oxygen Irradiation
    type: paper
    url: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8945384
    year: 2022
  - title: NIST WebBook, polystyrene (CAS 9003-53-6)
    type: database
    url: https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C9003536&Units=SI
  - title: INEOS Styrolution PS 158K GPPS datasheet (plasticker copy)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://plasticker.de/docs/recybase/3644_1783596902.pdf
  - title: KKPC GP 150I GPPS technical data sheet
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.kkpc.com/download/?seq=6275
  - title: Vinpol PS060H general purpose polystyrene
    type: datasheet
    url: https://vpa.vinmar.com/wp-content/uploads/VINPOL-PS060H.pdf
  - title: Plitek CDS-8144 high impact polystyrene
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.plitek.com/wp-content/uploads/8144.pdf
  - title: PlasticsIntl HIPS data sheet
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.plasticsintl.com/media/q1unrohn/polystyrene-hips-data-sheet.pdf
  - title: Spartech post-industrial recycled HIPS TDS
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.spartech.com/media/tds/Post-Industrial-Recycled-Content-HIPS.pdf
  - title: PubChem CID 7501 styrene
    type: database
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/7501
gaps:
  - PS 158N, Trinseo Styron 666, TotalEnergies and Americas Styrenics datasheets were not read. Trinseo gave only a paid 1992 ASM listing, and the PS 158N Material Data Center page gave no readable values in this run. GPPS values come from PS 158K (INEOS datasheet copy on plasticker.de), KKPC GP 150I and Vinmar PS060H.
  - Glass transition temperature (about 100 degC) was not read from a datasheet in this run. Wikipedia Tg values were not used.
  - HIPS polybutadiene rubber content was not read. Wikipedia names polybutadiene as the rubber but gives no share.
  - Free-radical polymerisation was not read from a source in this run.
  - No styrene producer list or country shares were read (no EPA, ECHA or PlasticsEurope page). Only the global tonnage from Wikipedia is given.
  - UV yellowing, solvent crazing and heat ageing were not read for polystyrene. Only flammability and brittleness are recorded, from Wikipedia.
  - No PubChem GHS for the polystyrene polymer (CAS 9003-53-6) was read. The hazard entry is for the styrene monomer.
  - No laboratory-ware uses were read. Packaging, CD cases and foam uses come from Wikipedia and the INEOS datasheet (foam containers, PSP/XPS).
  - The MISSE 2 passport does not say whether the flight sample was GPPS or HIPS.
  - No MDPI open-access polystyrene paper found for the erosion or thermal-ageing data.
  - Density, tensile and HDT values for the three Versalis grades are not on their product pages; the linked PDF datasheets were not reached in this run.
sources:
  versalis-n3782:
    title: Edistir N 3782, Versalis GPPS/HIPS product page
    id: Versalis product page
    url: https://versalis.eni.com/en-IT/portfolio/polymers/styrenics/gpps-hips/n-3782.html
    kind: datasheet
    license: cited; no reproduction
  versalis-n3380:
    title: Edistir N 3380, Versalis GPPS/HIPS product page
    id: Versalis product page
    url: https://versalis.eni.com/en-IT/portfolio/polymers/styrenics/gpps-hips/n-3380.html
    kind: datasheet
    license: cited; no reproduction
  versalis-n3982:
    title: Edistir N 3982, Versalis GPPS/HIPS product page
    id: Versalis product page
    url: https://versalis.eni.com/en-IT/portfolio/polymers/styrenics/gpps-hips/n-3982.html
    kind: datasheet
    license: cited; no reproduction
  misse2-ps-tm:
    title: Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit
    id: NASA/TM-2008-215490 (Banks, Backus and de Groh, December 2008)
    url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20090011780
    year: 2008
    kind: report
    license: public domain (NASA)
  goto2022:
    title: 'Formation of Nanoscale Protrusions on Polymer Films after Atomic Oxygen Irradiation: Changes in Morphologies, Masses, and FT-IR Spectra'
    id: doi:10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02605 (Langmuir 38(11), 3339-3349; PMC8945384)
    url: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8945384
    year: 2022
    kind: paper
    license: as listed by PMC
  nist-webbook:
    title: NIST Chemistry WebBook, polystyrene (Styrene, oligomers page)
    id: CAS 9003-53-6
    url: https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C9003536&Units=SI
    year: 2026
    kind: database
    license: public domain (NIST)
  wikipedia-ps:
    title: Polystyrene, Wikipedia (identity and history only)
    id: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene
    kind: web
    license: CC BY-SA
  ineos-158k:
    title: Styrolution PS 158K, General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) datasheet (copy on plasticker.de)
    id: Styrolution PS 158K, revision 2016.01.17
    url: https://plasticker.de/docs/recybase/3644_1783596902.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: cited; no reproduction
  kkpc-gp150i:
    title: KKPC GP 150I, GPPS Technical Data Sheet
    id: GP 150I, rev 2023-04-17
    url: https://www.kkpc.com/download/?seq=6275
    kind: datasheet
    license: cited; no reproduction
  vinmar-ps060h:
    title: Vinpol PS060H, General Purpose Polystyrene
    id: Vinmar PS060H, rev 12/8/2023
    url: https://vpa.vinmar.com/wp-content/uploads/VINPOL-PS060H.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: cited; no reproduction
  plitek-cds8144:
    title: Plitek CDS-8144, High Impact Polystyrene customer data sheet
    id: CDS-8144 Rev 03
    url: https://www.plitek.com/wp-content/uploads/8144.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: cited; no reproduction
  plasticsintl-hips:
    title: PlasticsIntl, HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) data sheet
    id: PlasticsIntl HIPS data sheet
    url: https://www.plasticsintl.com/media/q1unrohn/polystyrene-hips-data-sheet.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: cited; no reproduction
  spartech-hips:
    title: Spartech, Post Industrial Recycled Content HIPS technical data sheet
    id: Spartech TDS, Feb-22
    url: https://www.spartech.com/media/tds/Post-Industrial-Recycled-Content-HIPS.pdf
    kind: datasheet
    license: cited; no reproduction
  pubchem-styrene:
    title: PubChem, Styrene (CID 7501), GHS Classification
    id: CID 7501, CAS 100-42-5
    url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/7501
    kind: database
    license: public domain (NIH/NLM)
  wikipedia-styrene:
    title: Styrene, Wikipedia (production and volumes only)
    id: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrene
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrene
    kind: web
    license: CC BY-SA
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-10-19'
review:
  status: draft
  method: assistant
  checked_values: 66
  unreachable: 3
  caveats: 2
  note: Deepened by an AI assistant on 2026-10-19 from datasheets and pages read in this run. Original Versalis values kept. Added GPPS (INEOS PS 158K, KKPC GP 150I, Vinmar PS060H) and HIPS (Plitek, PlasticsIntl, Spartech) datasheets; styrene hazards from PubChem.
story:
  recipe:
    line: Polystyrene is a vinyl polymer. Each repeat unit is one styrene monomer, C8H8, with a phenyl ring on a two-carbon chain (repeat unit [-CH2-CH(C6H5)-]n). HIPS adds a dispersed polybutadiene rubber phase (share not read). The polymerisation route is not sourced in this run.
    parts:
      - name: Carbon
        symbol: C
        atoms: 8
        atomic_weight: 12.011
        role: 'Eight carbon atoms per styrene unit: six in the phenyl ring and two in the vinyl chain.'
      - name: Hydrogen
        symbol: H
        atoms: 8
        atomic_weight: 1.008
        role: Eight hydrogen atoms per styrene unit. Carbon is about 92 percent and hydrogen about 8 percent of the repeat-unit weight, computed from these atomic weights.
      - name: Styrene
        symbol: C8H8
        atoms: 1
        role: The monomer. Its vinyl group opens to form the chain; the phenyl group hangs off alternate carbons.
  risk_groups:
    - title: For people
      level: 0
      verdict: Styrene monomer classified (PubChem)
      lead: The styrene monomer is classified in PubChem (ECHA aggregate). The solid polymer was not separately read.
      points:
        - label: Status
          line: Flammable liquid, skin and eye irritant, harmful if inhaled, organ damage on repeated exposure (H226, H315, H319, H332, H372). Check the supplier SDS before handling the monomer.
    - title: In service
      points:
        - label: Atomic oxygen
          line: On the NASA MISSE 2 flight sample in low Earth orbit, erosion was 3.74e-24 cm3/atom over 3.95 years.
  why: Polystyrene is a common, low-cost thermoplastic. General-purpose grades are clear, stiff and brittle; high-impact grades add a rubber phase to tolerate impact. The datasheets read here put GPPS density at about 1.04 g/cm3 (1048 kg/m3 for PS 158K), Vicat softening at 101 to 107 degC and heat deflection at 85 to 98 degC, and HIPS density at 1.04 g/cm3 with Vicat at 210 to 212 degF.
  uses:
    - where: Structures (housings, covers, prototypes), HIPS
      line: PlasticsIntl and Spartech list housings, covers and machined prototypes for HIPS.
    - where: Showcases, displays and photo frames, GPPS
      line: INEOS PS 158K datasheet lists transparent sheet for these uses.
    - where: Packaging, CD cases and disposable cutlery
      line: Wikipedia lists disposable cutlery, CD jewel cases and smoke detector housings, made from GPPS and HIPS.
    - where: Foam packaging, GPPS
      line: INEOS PS 158K lists expanded sheet and foam containers (PSP and XPS) as applications.
  can_do:
    - label: Softening
      value: 101 degC Vicat (VST/B/50)
      line: 'INEOS PS 158K (GPPS): Vicat 101 degC at 50 N; heat deflection 86 degC at 1.8 MPa.'
    - label: Stiffness
      value: 3300 MPa tensile modulus
      line: INEOS PS 158K tensile modulus at 23 degC (ISO 527); HIPS flexural modulus 270 kpsi (Plitek).
    - label: Impact
      value: 2.5 kJ/m2 GPPS, 2.0 to 2.8 ft-lb/in HIPS
      line: Notched impact on GPPS (INEOS, ISO 180/A) and HIPS (ASTM D256). The units differ, so the two are not compared.
    - label: Flow
      value: 2 to 25 g/10 min
      line: Melt flow rate at 200 degC and 5 kg across the Versalis grades read earlier; PS 158K 3 g/10 min; PS060H 6 g/10 min.
  compare: No direct comparison with other polymers was made in this run. Compare against other profiles only after the missing HIPS and density values are sourced.
  compare_rows:
    - scope: material
      label: Vicat softening
      benchmark: vicat_softening
    - scope: material
      label: Melt flow rate
      benchmark: melt_flow_rate
    - scope: material
      label: Atomic oxygen erosion yield
      benchmark: atomic_oxygen_erosion_yield
  handling:
    - 'Styrene monomer (PubChem ECHA aggregate): keep away from heat (P210), avoid breathing vapour (P261), wear protective gloves and eye protection (P280), keep cool and well ventilated (P403+P235).'
    - Polystyrene is flammable and gives off black smoke when it burns (Wikipedia).
  good_for:
    - Rigid moulded parts that soften at about 101 degC (Vicat, GPPS PS 158K and Versalis grades).
    - Impact-tolerant housings and covers in HIPS grades (PlasticsIntl, Spartech).
  watch_out:
    - 'Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit: 3.74e-24 cm3/atom on the MISSE 2 flight sample.'
    - Brittleness of GPPS (Wikipedia; impact values in different units across datasheets).
    - 'Flammability: black smoke on burning (Wikipedia). Styrene monomer is a flammable, irritant, organ-toxic liquid (PubChem).'
  verdict: Polystyrene has well-documented softening and stiffness values across GPPS datasheets (density about 1.04 g/cm3 (1048 kg/m3 for PS 158K), Vicat 101 to 107 degC). HIPS adds impact tolerance at the cost of a lower Vicat value. Ageing (UV, solvent crazing), Tg and polymerisation route are still open, and the flight erosion value is for one unidentified grade.

References

Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.

References
Source	Type	Year	Used for
Edistir N 3782, Versalis GPPS/HIPS product page	datasheet		2 values
Edistir N 3380, Versalis GPPS/HIPS product page	datasheet		2 values
Edistir N 3982, Versalis GPPS/HIPS product page	datasheet		2 values
Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit	report	2008	2 values
Formation of Nanoscale Protrusions on Polymer Films after Atomic Oxygen Irradiation: Changes in Morphologies, Masses, and FT-IR Spectra	paper	2022	2 values
NIST Chemistry WebBook, polystyrene (Styrene, oligomers page)	database	2026	1 value
Polystyrene, Wikipedia (identity and history only)	web		4 values
Styrolution PS 158K, General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) datasheet (copy on plasticker.de)	datasheet		16 values
KKPC GP 150I, GPPS Technical Data Sheet	datasheet		9 values
Vinpol PS060H, General Purpose Polystyrene	datasheet		7 values
Plitek CDS-8144, High Impact Polystyrene customer data sheet	datasheet		13 values
PlasticsIntl, HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) data sheet	datasheet		9 values
Spartech, Post Industrial Recycled Content HIPS technical data sheet	datasheet		5 values
PubChem, Styrene (CID 7501), GHS Classification	database		2 values
Styrene, Wikipedia (production and volumes only)	web		1 value

References
Identity
Formula	(C8H8)n; repeat unit C8H8, from the styrene monomer
CAS	9003-53-6
Role	Rigid thermoplastic for moulding, packaging and foams (GPPS: clear and brittle; HIPS: rubber-toughened)
Benchmarks	66

Read
Read
Which materials survive atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit?Space
Which engineering plastic should you choose?Material selection

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Metals vs non-metals

References
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References
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