ABSTRACT
Commercial production of polystyrene began in the 1930s, with capacity increasing rapidly during World War II to supply plants producing synthetic rubber. Expanded or foam polystyrene (EPS) is a rigid cellular form of the polymer. Almost all EPS is produced by the suspension route because a blowing agent can be introduced during the process. Liquid polystyrene removed from the base of the tower is passed to a devolatilizer where any unconverted styrene is removed under vacuum and recycled. The polymerization begins at a soap micelle and forms polystyrene with high molecular weights. Polystyrene is used in a wide range of appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and small electrical goods, as well as in electronics. Polystyrene powder can cause irritation by inhalation and skin contact. Suspension and continuous solution processes are most widely used for the production of polystyrene.
