How to choose new materials and recycled materials for injection molding PS

author: Universe plastic

2024-06-14

What is PS material

PS material refers to polystyrene (Polystyrene), which is a synthetic resin formed by the polymerization of styrene monomer and is a thermoplastic material.

PS materials are relatively brittle and have poor heat resistance, making them difficult to degrade in the environment. In order to consider its environmental impact, it is necessary to understand the performance differences between recycled materials and new materials, and select appropriate materials for use in injection molding projects.

PS material category

1. PS (Polystyrene) : Transparent and hard

2. HIPS (High impact polystyrene) : Improving impact resistance by adding rubber components to polystyrene

3. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) : Foam polystyrene particles using a foaming agent to produce lightweight, cushioning foam.

4. FR-PS (Flame retardant polystyrene) : Polystyrene with added flame retardants is mainly used for plastic products with high fire protection requirements.

PS material properties

density	1.04-1.06 g/cm³	tensile strength	30-50 MPa
Transparency	High	Bending strength	50-80 MPa
Thermal conductivity	0.033 W/(m·K)	Impact strength	10-30 kJ/m²
electrical insulation	2.5-2.7	melting point	240-280°C
Dielectric strength	20-30 kV/mm	water absorbency	0.1%

Application of PS materials

1. Packaging materials: food packaging, snack boxes, coffee cups, electronic product packaging, TV and computer protective packaging, shock-proof packaging, transparent food containers, blister packaging.

2. Home appliance casing: casing of household appliances, refrigerator liner, washing machine casing, and TV casing.

3. Disposable tableware: disposable cups, disposable bowls, disposable plates, disposable food containers.

4. Insulation materials: building insulation materials, roof insulation materials, floor insulation materials.

5. Stationery supplies: stationery products, plastic building blocks, puzzles, ballpoint pen casings, etc.

6. Experimental equipment: test tubes, petri dishes, measuring cylinders, pipettes, and syringe shells.

7. Advertising signs: plastic braille signs, display stands, light boxes, etc.

Comparison of parameters between new PS and regenerated PS

Property	New PS Material	Recycled PS Material
density	1.04-1.06 g/cm³	1.00-1.05 g/cm³
Transparency	high	medium
tensile strength	30-50 MPa	20-40 MPa
Bending strength	50-80 MPa	40-70 MPa
Impact strength	10-30 kJ/m²	Slightly worse
glass transition temperature	100°C	90-95°C
melting point	240-280°C	Depends on recycling processing and purity
electrical insulation	2.5-2.7	2.0-2.5
Dielectric strength	20-30 kV/mm	Slightly worse
water absorbency	小于0.1%	slightly higher

The main differences between new materials and recycled materials

1. Mechanical properties

The new material has optimal mechanical properties, including tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength. Recycled materials are lower than new materials because degradation and impurities may occur during recycling and reprocessing.

2. Material appearance

The new material is transparent and consistent in color, without impurities, and has excellent appearance quality. The transparency of recycled materials is reduced and may appear yellow or cloudy, with impurities or color inconsistencies.

3. Environmental protection and cost

New materials have a greater environmental impact, and the cost of high-purity raw materials is high. Recycled materials have environmentally friendly properties and lower costs, making effective use of waste materials.

Conclusion

New materials and recycled materials each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of which material to use mainly depends on the product's performance requirements, cost considerations and environmental factors. New materials have better performance and are suitable for high-demand applications; recycled materials have environmental protection and cost advantages and are suitable for products with general performance requirements.

Should AS injection molding choose new materials or recycled materials?

How to choose new and recycled PVC materials for injection molding