STYRENE

Styrene, also known as vinyl benzene, is an organic compound. This cyclic hydrocarbon is a colorless oily liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell, although high concentrations confer a less pleasant odor. Approximately 15 billion pounds are produced annually. Styrene is named after the styrax trees from which sap (benzoin resin) can be extracted. Low levels of styrene occur naturally in plants as well as a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beverages, and meats.

Properties

Styrene-based materials offer unique characteristics of toughness, high performance, versatile design, simplicity of production, andeconomy. They provide excellent hygiene, sanitation and safety benefits. And many styrene-based products offer superior insulation qualities foruse in building construction where they provide energy conservation. They have the ability to be recycled where collection systems are available. In manycases, styrene helps create products for which there are few, if any, substitutes.

Applications

The presence of the vinyl group allows styrene to polymerize. Commercially significant products include polystyrene, ABS, styrene-butadiene (SBR) rubber, styrene-butadiene latex, unsaturated polyesters and others. These materials are used in rubber, plastic, insulation, fiberglass, pipes, automobile and boat parts, food containers, and carpet backing.