High impact polystyrene is a modified polystyrene with exceptional impact resistance and mechanical endurance. Let’s explore more about this material!
High impact polystyrene is a thermoplastic that is frequently utilized in injection molding across a variety of sectors. It offers great strength, texture, and adaptability, making it a highly recommended option for both novice and expert plastic businesses.
This article will discuss insightful information about the material, its advantages, and its applications. Follow along for more!
1. What Is High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)?
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a polystyrene (PS) material amended with a 5–15% split rubber makeup. It increases PS’s impact strength by fourfold, making it robust for coloring and sculpting.
HIPS is a high-strength, opaque, milky white bead or particle that is easy to process. There are two categories: general and ultra-high impact.
High impact polystyrene can be molded using a variety of manufacturing techniques and is mostly used for packaging products such as food, cosmetics, daily items, machines, instruments, and stationery.
2. Differences Of HIPS With Other Polystyrenes
Below is a table comparing high impact polystyrene and other polystyrene (GPPS, EPS and XPS):
| HIPS | GPPS | EPS | XPS | |
| Composition | It’s a modified form of polystyrene (PS). It has an impact-resistant rubber phase—usually polybutadiene—added to it. | GPPS is considered standard polystyrene since no impact modifiers are added. | This type of polystyrene is foam that has been expanded with gas. | XPS is a dense, closed-cell foam version of polystyrene. |
| Highlighted properties | This material’s rubber particles provide greater toughness and impact resistance than regular polystyrene. Thus, it has increased resistance to breaking and splitting under stress. Its smooth surface finish also makes it appropriate for decorative applications. | GPPS’s impact resistance is weaker than that of high impact polystyrene. Thus, it is more brittle and susceptible to cracking. Meanwhile, its properties are more suitable for applications requiring transparency. | Since the material features foam and cellular structure, it has great thermal insulation properties and impact resistance. | Its closed-cell structure allows better thermal insulation compared to other PSs. It also offers better moisture resistance, suitable for more demanding conditions. |
| Applications | High impact polystyrene is suitable for products where it’s crucial to have durability, such as toy, medical, and appliance housings. | The material is used as a general-purpose plastic, CD cases or disposable cutlery. | EPS is widely used as a building material in wall panels, or in thermal insulation and packaging. | XPS is an ideal material for building’s insulation boards. |
3. Applications Of HIPS
Here are common applications of high impact polystyrene:
- Food industry: Thanks to its durability, safety, and ease of molding, premium food-grade polystyrene is widely used in the food sector to create a variety of food packaging goods, including yogurt containers, ice cream tubs, disposable cutlery, reusable candy, and nut containers. These are all examples of sustainable packaging.
- Consumer goods: The material is used to make many different types of domestic and consumer goods. For example, the colorful square boxes visually conceal little objects like Q-tips in a more appealing way than the original packaging.
- Thermoforming industry: High impact polystyrene is a popular material for surface treatment after processing since it is simple to paint and glue. Its thermoplastic qualities allow it to take shape at high temperatures, making it perfect for producing intricate pieces. The matte surface of HIPS is another factor that makes it popular in the thermoforming sector.
- Pharmaceutical industry: Many medical devices applied in research facilities and laboratories, such as petri dishes, use HIPS as a crucial material.
4. Conclusion
High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a common substance in the plastics industry made by mixing rubber copolymer butadiene. It is adaptable for a range of applications due to its great strength and hardness. HIPS shows promise for creative uses because of its longevity and flexibility. Environmentally friendly solutions could result from increased recycling and reusing of this material as a result of sustainable production processes.
5. About EuP Egypt’s HIPS Products
If you’re looking for a trustworthy supplier of high impact polystyrene, EuP Egypt is one of your best choices. Our HIPS flame retardant compound is a blend of HIPS resin and flame retardant, offering different levels of UL94-standard flame retardancy.
Our product functions in one single material. Thus, manufacturers can process it without any materials required. Besides, it can be tailor-made based on the requirements of the end product.
One more benefit of our HIPS flame retardant compound is that it prevents fire from spreading on the plastic surface, thus minimizing fire damage. The material is suitable for various applications, including mobile chargers, keyboards, electronic components, etc.
If you want to know more about HIPS and other EuP Egypt’s products, contact us right now!
