Iran HIPS

Polystyrene (PS) is a well-known polymer, famous for being one of the most commonly used thermoplastics worldwide. It is divided into three groups, each group and its grades with their unique properties are suitable for a specific application. These groups are: general purpose polystyrene (GPPS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), and expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic long chain hydrocarbon polymer with alternating carbon centers attached to phenyl groups. It is produced from Styrene Monomer’s polymerization and has a density of about 1.05 g/cm³. At room temperature, it is in a solid (glassy) state but turns into a fluid when heated to about 100 °C and higher.

Homopolymer of polystyrene can often be brittle. Combining it with other material can make it more impact resistant. High Impact Polystyrene, generally known as HIPS, is a rubber modified version of General-Purpose Polystyrene. It is commonly produced by the addition of around 5-10% rubber or butadiene copolymer. The addition of rubber makes the thermoplastic incredibly durable, with a much higher impact resistance than its former compound.

HIPS has a density of 1.03 – 1.06 g/cm³. It is highly hard, rigid, and translucent. It also has an impact strength up to 7 times higher than GPPS. Some of its other properties include:

Iran HIPS also shows excellent resistance to dilute alkalis and aliphatic hydrocarbons and moderate resistance to dilute acids, oils, and greases. Still, unfortunately, it offers inadequate resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, and some alcohols.

Other than the high impact strength, here are some other properties that further demonstrate the advantageousness of Iran HIPS:

• Can be painted due to its amorphous structure
• Recyclable with good property retention
• Easily moldable
• Easily processable
• FDA compliant grades
• Good dimensional stability
• Good gloss
• Low volatility

HIPS grades are classified into five main categories. These are high and medium grades, ignition resistance grades, high-gloss grades, and environment stress crack-resistant grades.

The non-biodegradable plastic accumulation in the environment leads to prolonged decompose degradation. This is expected to result in severe consequences in the foreseen future. HIPS is a thermoplastic polymer which can be effortlessly shaped using heat, meaning that it can be recycled into a wide variety of applications. This highlights not only how versatile the material is but also how useful it can be beyond its primary purposes.

Iranian manufacturers produce Iran HIPS in the form of cylindrical granules or spherical grains. Iran HIPS in the form of powder can also be provided based on the requirements of the customer. Various additives, such as antioxidants, anti block agents, and UV stabilizers, are added to HIPS during granulation process. Iran HIPS manufacturers are delighted to be able to produce various grades of HIPS according to the global standards, with properties that can compete with or even best their foreign rivals.

The properties discussed in the earlier section, along with being easy to engineer according to the requirements, have made Iran HIPS known as a versatile thermoplastic, making it usable in various industries. Iran HIPS applications and the key features that make it ideal for a typical application are mentioned below:

Packaging applications: The usage of Iran HIPS in packaging include food packaging (dairy packaging, meat trays, egg cartons, fruit and vegetable trays), consumer packaging (cassettes and CD shell and covers, jewel box, etc.), industrial packaging (small foamed shapes), etc. Due to its recyclability, these days, HIPS is majorly used in food packaging.

Related main features that make HIPS ideal for such applications include:

• Low cost
• Ease of process and decoration
• Food contact approvals
• Possibility to be produced by lots
• Recyclability of the material
• High stiffness

Application of Iran HIPS

The application of Iran HIPS in electronics and appliances consist of household appliances such as TV housings, the exterior of air-conditioners, and widely used freezer and refrigerator liners appliances housings. It is also used for office automation apparatus such as housing for a copying machine, printer, etc. it can also be used to produce toys and houseware.

Having practical impact strength, being cost effective and easily processable, and having a good surface finish are the focal features making Iran HIPS suitable for such applications.

Healthcare / Medical Applications

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is used in medical applications for the production of petri dishes, waste canisters, etc. Having a low cost, easy processing, transparency, and clarity are the related fundamental features that make HIPS ideal for the production of these materials.

Automotive industry

Iran HIPS can also be used to produce instrument panels and fittings, and gasoline tanks for the automotive industry.

For the past few years, significant growth in the polystyrene market has been observed, and an increase is also estimated in the coming years. The mounting request for the product drives the global polystyrene market. The market is estimated to increase more than US$28 bn by 2020 as per the industry analysis, and the global demand to reach nearly 18.6 million metric tons. The market was projected at US$ 24bn in 2016. The request is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.9% and reach a volume of 20.8 million metric tons between 2021 and 2026. The HIPS/GPPS market is driven majorly by the Asian market, with an estimated growth of 2-3% CAGR during 2019–2024. The two main factors driving the polystyrene market are the growth of population and increasing urbanization and industrialization. The construction industry and electronics industry significantly influence the polystyrene market. The rise in the global temperature in the coming years is expected to increase the demand for heat insulation materials like polystyrene, growing steadily until 2023 at the rate of 2–3 percent.

Growing at the rate of 3–5 percent, the packaging application is the single largest end-use application of HIPS, having the highest impact on the HIPS market.

Because of the oscillations in the price of crude oil and natural gas, and consequently, raw material prices (benzene, styrene monomer, etc.), the Iran HIPS market is also exposed to some restrains in the estimated period. These changes affect the price of Iran HIPS directly. Generally, the price of Iran HIPS varies according to type, grade, and the supplier of polystyrene.

Here at Romak Trading Company, we aim to provide the most high quality Iran HIPS at the most reasonable price for our esteemed customers. We continuously work to expand our knowledge of the market and discover and offer the latest and most high quality Iran HIPS gades available. Iran HIPS grades are available in granule form and can also be supplied in the form of powder, in various packaging, based on the customer’s requirements. The available packaging varies from 25 Kg bags to 500-2500 Kg jumbo bags. With its team of professionals, Romak Trading Company strives to utilize its vast and valuable experiences to satisfy the demand for Iran HIPS to customers worldwide.