Characterization, Properties and Applications of Syndiotactic Polystyrene

Plastics Technical Center, Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Chiba, Japan 

Highly syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS) was synthesized using a homogeneous catalytic system using a titanium compound and methylaluminoxane or borate [1]. The detailed syndiospecific polymerization of styrene is described in the previous chapter. 

Dow Chemical and Idemitsu Petrochemical produce SPS, which is commercialized the trade names Questra H and XAREC, , respectively. 

The excellent balances of mechanical, electrical, solvent resistance, heat resistance and dimensional stability properties combined with a relatively low price have led to the common use of this material in engineering plastics. 

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Yamasaki, K., Tomotsu, N., Malanga, M. Characterization, properties and applications of syndiotactic polystyrene. In Modern Styrenic Polymers Polystyrenes and Styrenic Copolymers, Scheirs, J., Priddy, D. B. (eds.), John Wiley Sons, New York, 2003, pp. 389-409. 

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