Polystyrene vs. Styrofoam: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic polymer, while Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of extruded polystyrene foam.
Key Differences
Polystyrene is a plastic material made from styrene monomers, widely used in various forms. Styrofoam, on the other hand, is a specific type of polystyrene foam created by the Dow Chemical Company, primarily used for insulation and craft applications.
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Dec 17, 2023
Polystyrene is used in multiple applications like packaging, disposable cutlery, and CDs. Styrofoam, with its lightweight and insulating properties, is extensively used in building insulation, flotation devices, and crafting.
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Dec 17, 2023
Both Polystyrene and Styrofoam pose environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature. However, Styrofoam, being bulkier, often faces more criticism for its environmental impact, especially in landfill spaces.
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Dec 17, 2023
The production of polystyrene involves polymerization of styrene. Styrofoam is produced by extruding polystyrene in the presence of blowing agents, resulting in a light, airy material.
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Dec 17, 2023
Polystyrene and Styrofoam have raised health concerns when used in food containers, as they can leach potentially harmful chemicals, especially when heated.
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Dec 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A synthetic aromatic polymer.
A trademarked brand of extruded polystyrene foam.
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Dec 17, 2023
Environmental Impact
Non-biodegradable, recycling challenges.
Bulkier, more visible in landfills.
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Dec 17, 2023
Health Concerns
Potential chemical leach in food items.
Similar concerns, especially when heated.
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Dec 17, 2023
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Polystyrene and Styrofoam Definitions
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a lightweight plastic material.
Polystyrene cups are commonly used for hot drinks.
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Dec 12, 2023
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is a trademarked form of extruded polystyrene foam.
The Styrofoam cooler kept our drinks cold during the beach trip.
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Dec 12, 2023
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is used in both rigid and foam forms.
The rigid polystyrene sheet was used to create a durable sign.
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Dec 12, 2023
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is known for its buoyancy and is used in flotation devices.
The life jacket was filled with Styrofoam to keep it afloat.
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Dec 12, 2023
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a versatile plastic used in various applications.
Disposable polystyrene plates are popular at picnics and outdoor events.
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Dec 12, 2023
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Styrofoam
Styrofoam is lightweight and used for insulation.
Styrofoam insulation was installed to improve the home's energy efficiency.
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Dec 12, 2023
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a clear, hard, and brittle plastic.
The clear polystyrene box protected the delicate electronics during shipping.
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Dec 12, 2023
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is resistant to moisture and decay.
Styrofoam is often used in outdoor signs due to its durability against the elements.
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Dec 12, 2023
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a polymer made from styrene monomers.
Polystyrene is often used in model building due to its easy-to-cut nature.
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Dec 12, 2023
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is often used in crafting and modeling.
The artist carved intricate designs into the Styrofoam block.
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Dec 12, 2023
Polystyrene
A rigid clear thermoplastic polymer of styrene that can be molded into objects or made into a foam that is used as thermal insulation.
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Dec 10, 2023
Styrofoam
Expanded polystyrene foam, such as is used in cups and packaging.
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Dec 10, 2023
Polystyrene
(organic chemistry) An alkane chain of benzene molecules, RCH2CHphenylR.
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Dec 10, 2023
Polystyrene
A polymer of styrene; a rigid transparent thermoplastic;
Expanded polystyrene looks like a rigid white foam and is used as packing or insulation
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Dec 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of extruded polystyrene foam.
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Dec 17, 2023
Is Styrofoam safe for use in microwaves?
Generally, it is not recommended due to potential chemical leaching.
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Dec 17, 2023
Can Polystyrene be used for food packaging?
Yes, it is commonly used, but there are health concerns, especially with hot foods.
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Dec 17, 2023
What is Polystyrene?
Polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from styrene monomers.
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Dec 17, 2023
Is Styrofoam biodegradable?
No, Styrofoam is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for a long time.
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Dec 17, 2023
What are the environmental impacts of Styrofoam?
It contributes to landfill waste and marine pollution.
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Dec 17, 2023
How is Styrofoam produced?
By extruding polystyrene with blowing agents to create foam.
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Dec 17, 2023
Are Polystyrene and Styrofoam the same?
No, Styrofoam is a type of polystyrene foam, but not all polystyrene is Styrofoam.
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Dec 17, 2023
Is Polystyrene recyclable?
Yes, but it can be challenging due to contamination and logistical issues.
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What are the health risks of Polystyrene?
Potential risks include chemical leaching and inhalation of dust during cutting.
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Is Polystyrene toxic?
It can release toxic substances, especially when burned.
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What is the future of Polystyrene and Styrofoam use?
It's shifting towards more sustainable alternatives due to environmental concerns.
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Dec 17, 2023
What are common uses of Polystyrene?
Packaging, disposable cutlery, CD cases, and insulation.
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Dec 17, 2023
How does Styrofoam affect wildlife?
It can be ingested by animals, leading to health issues and death.
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Dec 17, 2023
Can Polystyrene be used in construction?
Yes, especially in insulation and lightweight concrete production.
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Dec 17, 2023
Is Styrofoam waterproof?
Yes, it is resistant to water, making it useful in moist environments.
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Dec 17, 2023
Why is Styrofoam banned in some places?
Due to environmental and health concerns.
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Dec 17, 2023
Are there alternatives to Polystyrene for packaging?
Yes, such as cardboard, bioplastics, and recycled materials.
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Dec 17, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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