Surprising Uses for PolystyrenePolystyrene is the name given to a polymer also, but not as commonly, known as Thermocole.

Although you might not realise it, you use polystyrene in some form or another on an almost dailybasis. In fact, there are very few industries which would be able to survive if it wasn’t for polystyrene.You might already know that polystyrene is an excellent packaging material and is used for both hotand cold foods.

What you might not be aware of is that there are some more surprising uses for this versatilematerial:

CutleryWhether you’re at a barbeque, a buffet orsimply don’t fancy the washing-up, we’ve allused plastic cutlery at one point or another.What you might be surprised to learn is thatsheets of expanded polystyrene packaging aremoulded to make disposable knives, forks andspoons.

Kitchen EquipmentThe brilliant thing about moulded polystyrene isthat it can be moulded over almost anything,making it the ideal material to cover electronicsfor kitchen and bathroom equipment. Ineverything from blenders to scales, polystyreneis the easily cleaned and durable material whichmakes it perfect for kitchen environments.

ToysMany children’s toys are now manufactured using polystyrene in a similar moulded form as above.

PackagingWe’ve already mentioned that polystyrene is used as packaging for cold food items such as trays ofcooked and raw meats as well as hot beverages such as coffee and tea as it is capable of holdingheat and protecting the contents from contamination. In addition, polystyrene is also used veryeffectively as a protective packaging for many electrical goods such as televisions, ensuring that theydo not receive damage whilst in transit.

Furthermore, polystyrene balls or nuggets are often used to protect ceramics and glassware whilst intransit to protect the goods in question against breakages.

SoundproofingAlthough insulation materials are often used for soundproofing in buildings and construction, wherethere is an additional need, polystyrene often fills the demand.

Medical EquipmentOnce it has been moulded, polystyrene makes an excellent material for medical uses because it canbe sterilised and remain so. Therefore, items such as petri dishes, trays, cups, speculums and tonguedepressors can be made from polystyrene.

CraftsBecause of the versatility and the many ways that polystyrene can be shaped and created, it makesan excellent material for crafting. Frames, shapes for decoupage and ornaments for decoration areoften created from traditional polystyrene, whilst many pieces of equipment such as paint trays,glue spreaders and cups can be created from tightly moulded polystyrene. In addition, polystyrenehas taken the place of traditional wood in the material used for making DIY modelling kits such asaeroplanes or animals.

Resource Link:-http://www.glipho.com/verta-pak/surprising-uses-for-polystyrene/