What is HIPS?
HIPS (High-Impact Polystyrene Sheet) is one of the versatile plastic materials in terms of strength, toughness, and ease of processing, and has successfully attracted considerable emphasis in several industrial fields. For the wide application of HIPS, it possesses exceptional properties and has been used widely for many products.
Key Benefits of HIPS:
Impact Strength:
HIPS is rated as having extremely high impact resistance, but the degree of performance could be different under various conditions like formulation, thickness, and the type of impact.
The HIPS material is applied for packaging fragile goods like electronics and glassware, since it acts as a shock absorber.
HIPS rubber modifiers help to absorb energy in impacts so that such a possibility of material fracture or breakage is minimised.
Lightweight:
HIPS is less dense than most plastics. Applications where a part needs to have its weight often reduced favour HIPS.
Lower weight results in reduced carbon emissions, so HIPS is a better environmental choice for some application areas.
HIPS is widely used in aerospace and automobile industries, where weight reduction can considerably enhance performance. HIPS is used for trim and structural parts.
Versatility:
HIPS is flexible enough to mould complex shapes and intricate designs and all types of products.
Properties can be varied depending on the proportion and type of rubber modifiers, along with other additives for special applications.
HIPS is coloured and textured in order to meet many demands aesthetically. It may be used to make a range of products for personal use.
Economic Values:
HIPS is easy to process, which in many cases takes less cost to manufacture than other materials with properties similar to it.
HIPS is an economical option for products where high performance with appropriate affordability are needed.
Widespread use of HIPS has resulted in economies of scale, which further helped it become an economical option.
Ease of Processing:
HIPS can be processed on general plastic processing equipment.
Process cycle times are relatively short for HIPS processing, which may enhance the efficiency and consequently reduce the cost of production.
With proper control over processes, consistent quality with reliable product performance can be expected from HIPS.
H.I.P.S. (High-Impact Polystyrene Sheet) Properties
1. Rheological Properties
- Melt Flow (200°C – 5kg): Measured by ASTM D-1238, the melt flow of H.I.P.S. is 3 g/10mn. This indicates the material’s flow rate under a specific temperature and pressure, crucial for understanding its behavior during processing and extrusion.
2. Thermal Properties
- Heat Distortion – Annealed: According to ASTM D-648, H.I.P.S. has a heat distortion temperature of 202°F. This value represents the temperature at which the material begins to deform under a specific load, indicating its performance in high-temperature environments.
- Vicat Softening: Tested under ASTM D-1525, the Vicat softening point for H.I.P.S. is 215°F. This measures the temperature at which the material begins to soften, essential for applications involving exposure to elevated temperatures.
3. Impact Properties
- Falling Dart Impact: Measured using ASTM D-3029, H.I.P.S. demonstrates a Falling Dart Impact strength of 110 in-lb. This measures the material’s ability to withstand impact without breaking, which is crucial for durability and toughness in applications.
- Izod Impact (Notched): According to ASTM D-256, the notched Izod impact strength of H.I.P.S. is 2.3 ft-lbs/in. This test measures the energy required to break a notched specimen, providing insights into the material’s toughness and resistance to cracking.
4. Tensile Properties
- Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of H.I.P.S. is 3,600 psi, measured using ASTM D-638. This value represents the material’s ability to resist breaking under tension, which is essential for understanding how much stress the material can handle.
- Tensile Modulus: Also tested under ASTM D-638, the tensile modulus is 3 x 10⁵ psi. This represents the material’s stiffness or rigidity when subjected to tensile stress, which is important for applications that require structural integrity.
- Elongation at Break: With an elongation of 50% under ASTM D-638, this property reflects the material’s flexibility and ability to stretch before breaking. Higher elongation indicates better flexibility.
5. Flexural Properties
- Flexural Strength: Measured by ASTM D-790, the flexural strength of H.I.P.S. is 6,900 psi. This value represents the material’s ability to resist deformation under load, providing insights into its structural strength.
- Flexural Modulus: The flexural modulus of 3.2 x 10⁵ psi (ASTM D-790) shows the material’s stiffness under bending, making it ideal for rigid structural applications.
6. Other Properties
- Gloss: Tested under ASTM D-523, H.I.P.S. has a gloss value of 70 at a 60° angle. This indicates the surface’s reflectivity and aesthetic appeal, important for applications where appearance matters.
- Density: With a density of 1.04 g/cm³, H.I.P.S. offers a balance of weight and strength, making it lightweight yet durable for various uses.
- Linear Shrinkage: The material exhibits a linear shrinkage rate of 0.004 – 0.007 in/in, as measured by ASTM D-955. This property is important for moulding applications where dimensional stability is critical.
- Moisture Absorption: H.I.P.S. has a very low moisture absorption rate of <0.1%, making it suitable for environments with high humidity or where water resistance is required.
Please Note: The above Technical Data Sheet is a general guide to the physical properties of the material. This information is given without Warranty or Liability. It is the customer’s responsibility to determine if this product is suitable for the application.
Applications of HIPS
Packaging: The HIPS film is used for many applications related to packaging, such as food containers, blister packs, and shipping materials. Its high impact strength along with good clarity allows for great protection against mechanical damage during transportation and storage.
Consumer Goods: HIPS can also be used for producing a wide variety of consumer goods like toy, appliance parts, and office supplies. The toughness and flexibility make it one of the most popular materials for these goods.
Automobile Industry: HIPS is applied in various automotive components. This includes such things as trim, instrument panels, and door panels. Its light weight and ease of processing make it popular in this industry.
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Conclusion
HIPS is used as a material for building products like insulation panels, roofing material, and window frames; the resistance to moisture and durability of the material make it suitable.
In short, HIPS is a versatile material which combines strength, durability, and ease in processing. The popularity of HIPS can be ascribed to its broad applications and the ability to live up to the needs of different industries. Given the continuous breakthrough in
High-Impact Polystyrene sheet delivers strength and ease of use in one product. Whether it is for making products, packaging, or a display, HIPS is definitely something you can consider.
