Chemical Engineering Basics - Engineering

Q1:

Styrofoam is the commercial name of

A polyurathene

B polystyrene

C polyacrylonitrile

D polybutadiene

ANS:B - polystyrene

Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from the monomer styrene. It is a versatile plastic material known for its rigid and lightweight properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Polystyrene can be formed into various shapes and structures, including foam products like Styrofoam, as well as solid items such as disposable cutlery, CD cases, and packaging materials. In its expanded form, as in Styrofoam, polystyrene contains air pockets, which give it excellent thermal insulation properties. This makes it useful for packaging fragile items and for insulation in buildings. Polystyrene is known for its affordability, ease of molding, and ability to maintain its shape and structure over time. However, it is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for a long time, leading to concerns about its environmental impact.