Sub-Product

sPS Manufacturing

Syndiotactic Polystyrene (sPS) is typically produced through a Polymerization Process using a Catalyst. The most common method for producing sPS is through the Polymerization of Styrene using a Metallocene Catalyst or a Ziegler-Natta Catalyst. A general overview of the Production Process is as described below^[1]:

1. Polymerization: Styrene monomer is polymerized using a catalyst to form the sPS Polymer Chain. The Catalyst helps control the structure of the Polymer, resulting in the syndiotactic arrangement of the Phenyl Groups along the Polymer Chain.
2. Purification: The Polymerization Mixture is then purified to remove any unreacted Monomer, Catalyst Residues, and other Impurities. This typically involves Processes such as Solvent Extraction, Distillation, or other Purification Techniques.

It is important to note that the specific details of the Production Process may vary depending on the Manufacturer and the desired properties of the sPS Product. Additionally, there may be alternative methods for producing sPS, but the Polymerization Process using a Catalyst is the most common approach.

Overall, the Production of syndiotactic Polystyrene involves careful control of the Polymerization Process to achieve the desired syndiotactic structure, followed by Purification and Processing to create the final sPS Product.

sPS Molecular Structure

This type of Polymerization can produce an ordered syndiotactic Polystyrene with the Phenyl Groups positioned on alternating Sides of the Hydrocarbon Backbone (Fig. 1). This form is highly crystalline with a T_m (melting point) of 270 °C (518 °F).^[2].

Figure 1 - Polystyrene Tacticity^[2]

sPS Properties and uses

The highly ordered and crystalline structure of Syndiotactic Polystyrene results in unique properties such as high heat resistance, stiffness, and chemical resistance^[3].

sPS can then be processed into various forms, such as pellets, sheets, or fibers, using methods like extrusion, injection molding, or other shaping processes^[1].

It is often used in applications where the specific sPS properties are important, such as in the production of automotive parts, appliances, and electronic components^[3].

Commercial Grades of sPS

Some of the commercial grades of syndiotactic Polystyrene (sPS) include^[4]:

• XAREC™: This is a commercial grade of sPS offered by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. It is known for its high heat resistance, excellent dimensional stability, and good processability.
• STYRON™: This is a trademarked commercial grade of sPS offered by Trinseo. It is designed for applications requiring high heat resistance, stiffness, and chemical resistance. It is often used in the automotive, electronic, and appliance industries.
• AURUM™: A commercial grade of sPS offered by Chi Mei Corporation. It is known for its high heat resistance, good flowability, and excellent dimensional stability, making it suitable for various injection molding applications.

These are just a few examples of commercial grades of sPS available in the market. Each grade may have specific properties and characteristics tailored for different applications, so it's important to select the appropriate grade based on the requirements of the end-use application.

References

1. ChatGPT-3.5 reply to prompt "how is syndiotactic polystyrene produced?", 21^st Nov 2023
2. Wikipedia, Polystyrene
3. ChatGPT-3.5 reply to prompt "what is syndiotactic polystyrene?", 21^st Nov 2023
4. ChatGPT-3.5 reply to prompt "what are the commercial grades of syndiotactic polystyrene?", 21^st Nov 2023