PS-HI-FR (High Impact Polystyrene, Flame retarded) Material Data Sheet

PS-HI-FR (High Impact Polystyrene, Flame retarded) Material Data Sheet

PS-HI-FR Designation

HIPS, High Impact Polystyrene, Flame retarded

PS-HI-FR Tradenames

Avantra, Cheng, Edistir, Estastir, Faralloy, Idemitsu, Kumho, Lgstrene, Ramshine, Sicostirolo, Stirofor, Stirolan, Veroplas

PS-HI-FR Typical uses

Toys, light diffusers, beakers, cutlery, general household appliances, video/audio cassette cases, electronic housings, refrigerator liners.

PS-HI-FR Compositional summary

Typically 85-95% styrene and 5-15% cis-butadiene rubber (BR) with graft copolymerization.  Some grades use other rubbers: styrene butadiene (SBR), ethylene propylene diene (EPDM), or styrene butadiene styrene (SBS). Flame retardant additives: typically brominated organic or more recently halogen-free.
Material family                                                                                              Plastic (thermoplastic, amorphous)
Base material                                                                                              PS-HI (Polystyrene, high impact)
Additive                                                                                              Flame retardant, Impact modifier
Polymer code                                                                                              PS-HI-FR

PS-HI-FR Composition detail (polymers and natural materials)

Polymer90–95%
Flame retardant5–10%

PS-HI-FR Physical properties

Density1.15–1.17g/cm3

PS-HI-FR Mechanical properties

Young’s modulus1.65–2.07GPa
Specific stiffness1.42–1.79MN.m/kg
Yield strength (elastic limit)21.4–28.3MPa
Tensile strength18.3–28.3MPa
Specific strength18.4–24.4kN.m/kg
Elongation30–50% strain
Compressive modulus1.65–2.07GPa
Compressive strength25.7–36.4MPa
Flexural modulus1.93–2.27GPa
Flexural strength (modulus of rupture)31–51.7MPa
Shear modulus0.587–0.736GPa
Bulk modulus3.18–3.34GPa
Poisson’s ratio0.397–0.413 
Shape factor6.8   
Hardness – Vickers6–9HV
Hardness – Rockwell M31–35 
Hardness – Rockwell R38–65 
Elastic stored energy (springs)124–217kJ/m3
Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles7.32–11.3MPa

PS-HI-FR Impact & fracture properties

Fracture toughness0.761–2.28       MPa.m0.5
Toughness (G)0.38–2.32kJ/m2
Impact strength, notched 23 °C4.78–10.7kJ/m2
Impact strength, notched -30 °C2.21–4.09kJ/m2
Impact strength, unnotched 23 °C44.1–110kJ/m2
Impact strength, unnotched -30 °C32.8–88.9kJ/m2

PS-HI-FR Thermal properties

Glass temperature85–100°C
Heat deflection temperature 0.45MPa80–95°C
Heat deflection temperature 1.8MPa73–83°C
Vicat softening point83–98°C
Maximum service temperature65–80°C
Minimum service temperature-53–-33°C
Thermal conductivity0.15–0.19W/m.°C
Specific heat capacity1.57e3–1.63e3J/kg.°C
Thermal expansion coefficient79.4–82.6µstrain/°C
Thermal shock resistance138–196°C
Thermal distortion resistance0.00185–0.00235MW/m

PS-HI-FR Electrical properties

Electrical resistivity5.98e21–5.38e22µohm.cm
Electrical conductivity3.2e-21–2.88e-20%IACS
Dielectric constant (relative permittivity)3–3.2 
Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent)0.001–0.006 
Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown)20.8–22.5MV/m
Comparative tracking index275–575V

PS-HI-FR Magnetic properties

Magnetic typeNon-magnetic

PS-HI-FR Optical, aesthetic and acoustic properties

TransparencyOpaque
Acoustic velocity1.19e3–1.34e3m/s
Mechanical loss coefficient (tan delta)0.0193–0.0242 

PS-HI-FR Absorption & permeability

Water absorption @ 24 hrs 0.005–0.01%
Water vapor transmission 0.713–1.44      g.mm/m².day
Permeability (O2) 156–163cm³.mm/m².day.atm  

PS-HI-FR Processing properties

Polymer injection moldingExcellent
Polymer extrusionExcellent
Polymer thermoformingExcellent
Linear mold shrinkage0.3–0.6%
Melt temperature191–232°C
Mold temperature35–55°C
Molding pressure range41.3–103MPa

PS-HI-FR Durability

Water (fresh)Excellent
Water (salt)Excellent
Weak acidsAcceptable
Strong acidsLimited use
Weak alkalisExcellent
Strong alkalisLimited use
Organic solventsUnacceptable
Oxidation at 500CUnacceptable
UV radiation (sunlight)Fair
FlammabilitySelf-extinguishing