ABSTRACT
I. Introduction Since the introduction of styrene in 1930 by Dow Chemical (1) in the United
States and I. G. Farben (2) in Germany, it has become one of the most important
materials impacting our way of life. From styrene, many polymers have been
developed. Some are used in packaging, housewares, automotive products,
appliances, and furniture. Because styrenic polymers have good dielectric
properties, they were initially used as electrical switches and connectors. Now,
their utility is expanded to disposable serviceware and flatware, electrical and
electronic parts, and in markets as diverse as construction, transportation, toys,
and sporting goods. Such broad market applications of styrene-based polymers
can be attributed to the many modification technologies for styrene. In the
1990’s, the incessant demand for styrene-based polymers with enhanced
physical and chemical properties has encouraged material producers to develop
additional methods to modify polystyrene.
