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Polystyrene (pronounced /ˌpɒliˈstaɪriːn/) (IUPAC Poly(1-phenylethene-1,2-diyl)),
abbreviated following ISO Standard PS, is an aromatic polymer made from the
aromatic monomer styrene, a liquid hydrocarbon that is commercially manufactured
from petroleum by the chemical industry. Polystyrene is one of the most widely
used kinds of plastic.
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Polystyrene is a thermoplastic substance, which is in solid (glassy) state at
room temperature, but flows if heated above its glass transition temperature
(for molding or extrusion), and becomes solid again when cooled. Pure solid
polystyrene is a colorless, hard plastic with limited flexibility. It can be
cast into molds with fine detail. Polystyrene can be transparent or can be made
to take on various colors.
Solid polystyrene is used, for example, in disposable cutlery, plastic models,
CD and DVD cases, and smoke detector housings. Products made from foamed
polystyrene are nearly ubiquitous, for example packing materials, insulation,
and foam drink cups.
Polystyrene can be recycled, and has the number "6" as its recycling symbol
although the low cost of virgin polystyrene keeps recycling rates low. No known
microorganism has yet been shown to biodegrade polystyrene, and it is often
abundant as a form of pollution in the outdoor environment, particularly along
shores and waterways especially in its low density cellular form.
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