Economic parameters of polyethylene production

Polystyrene belongs to the group of standard thermoplastics that also includes polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. Because of its special properties, polystyrene can be used in an extremely wide range of applications. 

Polystyrene is consumed at a rate of 16.7 Mt/yr worldwide, out of which 4.2 Ml/yr is used in Europe. The average growth rate of polystyrene consumption is 4 % worldwide and only 2.4 % in Europe. The annual polystyrene usage including the export demand of world regions in 2000 is listed in Table 4.1. 

In practice, three different types of polystyrene are distinguished. The transparent and brittle polymer is called general purpose polystyrene (GPPS), the white, non-shiny but relatively flexible, rubber modified polystyrene is called (high) impact polyst5Tene (IPS or HIPS). Expandable or foam polystyrene (EPS) is ihe third group to distinguish here due to its different production techniques. 

PS moulding material may eontain small quantities of lubricants (internally or externally) to help process the resin for end usage. The addition of antistatic agents, UV stabilisers, glass fibres, or colourants via compounding is also common. 

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