Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic polymer made from the monomers of the aromatic aromatic hydrocarbon styrene. Confused yet? PS is clear, hard and (sadly) brittle. PS is #6 plastic, and is utilized by many common applications such as foam cups, vacuum formed products (including cups) and many other food and non food grade products.
PS is very common on imported products from Asia including outdoor furniture, and various automotive components. Because it can be easily foamed it is utilized for a vast array of packaging applications.
Both PS & HDPE are often used for aesthetic, consumer applications.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. #2 plastic (HDPE) is durable and resilient material that highly flexible and thus non structural by nature. Utilized in many high wear environments it is considered to be one of the most durable plastics available.
HDPE has been utilized in many consumer products and most commonly as a wrap layer on Wood Plastic Composites and of course my personal favorite, plastic lumber.
