Polystyrene* is a widely used low cost plastic. It is rigid, transparent, has a low melting point and can have contact with food. It offers good electrical properties and can be colored. High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is produced by adding rubbers and features impact resistant properties. Typical applications include:
- Protective packaging
- Trays
- Disposable cutlery
- Labware
- Computer housings
- Container lids
- Kitchen appliance housing
- Toys
For more information on bonding plastic substrates take a look at our surface preparation guide.
Considerations for Adhesive Bonding Polystyrene
Typical products for bonding polystyrene include UV15TK, EP30HT-LO and UV15X-6NonMed-2. Moderate viscosity, one component UV15TK has superior strength and dimensional stability. This cationic curing system has excellent light transmission properties. Room temperature curing EP30HT-LO combines thermal stability and outstanding chemical resistance. NASA low outgassing approved this compound is easy to apply. Fast curing UV15X-6NM-2 offers high flexibility and withstands exposure to abrasion. It is 100% reactive and has an elongation >200%.
*Polystyrene is manufactured by many prestigious chemical companies. Dow Chemical (Retain®), Styron (Styron®), Lubrizol (Hipscon®), Evonik (Vestyron®) and SPS Guang Zhou (REMAK®) are among the most prominent.
