High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)

Brief Overview

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene), also known as PS (Polystyrene), is an amorphous thermoplastic material used in lower heat applications. It is categorized as a standard material and offers ease of processing, high-impact strength, and stiffness. We can define high-impact polystyrene as a rubber-modified version of general-purpose polystyrene. This addition of some rubber makes this material durable and gives the material a high impact resistance. Like all thermoplastic materials, this material can also become soft and pliable upon heating, followed by re-solidifying upon cooling.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of HIPS involves several stages. First, the raw material is taken in a feed tank, where it is lubricated, toned, and properly mixed. The following stages of manufacturing are Pre Polymerisation, Polymerisation, Preheating, Devolatilization, Extrusion and Pelletisation, and Product Packing. Raw materials used to manufacture HIPS are Styrene, Zinc Stearate, and Liquid Paraffin. Zinc Stearate is an Internal Lubricant, and Liquid Paraffin is a Chain Transition agent. 

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