what is gpps?
General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) is a thermoplastic valued for its high transparency, rigidity, and low cost. Derived from styrene monomers, it offers a crystal-clear finish, making it perfect for items like food packaging and display cases where visibility matters. It’s easy to mold using techniques like injection molding and extrusion, but its brittleness means it’s less suited for heavy-duty applications.
Uses and Benefits: You’ll spot GPPS in everyday items like disposable cutlery, CD cases, and clear containers. Its flexibility in processing allows it to be shaped into everything from thin films to intricate parts, catering to a variety of industries. While it’s not the most durable plastic, GPPS strikes a great balance between clarity, stiffness, and price, ensuring it remains a go-to material when durability isn’t the top priority.
supply Various Grades of GPPS pellets
| Grade No. | Manufacturer | Melt Flow (g/10 min) | Properties | Application |
| 1540 | INEOS | 12 | DOWNLOAD | General purpose, packaging, disposable items |
| 168N | INEOS | 1.2~1.5 | DOWNLOAD | High clarity, food packaging, containers, cups |
| 158K | INEOS | 3 | DOWNLOAD | Medical grade, laboratory ware, medical devices |
| 1441 | INEOS | 8 | DOWNLOAD | High impact, automotive parts, housings |
| 1050 | INEOS | 2.8 | DOWNLOAD | Fridge drawer and diffusion plate |
| 147F | INEOS | 6.5 | DOWNLOAD | Stationery, appliance components, containers |
| 143E | Yangzi BASF | 6 | DOWNLOAD | High heat resistance, household appliances, |
| 165H | Yangzi BASF | 2.7 | DOWNLOAD | High heat resistance, industrial components |
| GP5250 | FORMOSA | 9 | DOWNLOAD | Food containers, Stationery, Cassettes, Cosmetic cases |
| GP535N | FORMOSA | 3.5 | DOWNLOAD | Lampshades, Crystal plates, Refrigerator drawer |
| GP535H | FORMOSA | 2.6 | DOWNLOAD | Refrigerator drawer |
| GP550N | FORMOSA | 1.9 | DOWNLOAD | TV & illumination diffusion plate,Light guide plate |
| GP560N | FORMOSA | 1.9 | DOWNLOAD | TV & illumination diffusion plate,Light guide plate |
| GP5000 | FORMOSA | 10 | DOWNLOAD | TRP blending, Thin sheet injection |
| GP525N | FORMOSA | 6.7 | DOWNLOAD | Stationery, Clothing hangers, Lamp decoration, CD |
| GP5350 | FORMOSA | 4.3 | DOWNLOAD | PSP Sheets, OPS, Medicine containers |
| GP535A | FORMOSA | 2.6 | DOWNLOAD | PSP Sheets, OPS, Medicine containers |
| GP5500 | FORMOSA | 2.6 | DOWNLOAD | PSP Sheets, OPS, Medicine containers |
| 123 | SECCO | 8 | DOWNLOAD | High heat resistance, household appliances |
| 123P | SECCO | 8 | DOWNLOAD | Food containers and stationery items |
| 152 | SECCO | 3.8 | DOWNLOAD | Painting products and refrigerator liners |
We're here to meet all your GPPS needs
General Purpose Polystyrene FAQs
What are the primary factors used to differentiate GPPS grades?
GPPS grades are differentiated by multiple technical and processing factors, including:
Melt Flow Index (MFI): Lower MFI values indicate higher molecular weights and better strength properties, while higher values benefit faster processing.
Physical Consistency: Density and dimensional stability are standardized, with typical densities around 1.04–1.06 g/cm³.
Optical Properties: Clarity and gloss levels are critical, particularly for applications requiring high transparency.
Mechanical Performance: Tensile strength, impact resistance, and rigidity are tested to ensure the material meets application demands.
These factors are quantified through industry-standard tests (ASTM, ISO) and clearly outlined in technical datasheets.
How do different GPPS grades perform in various applications?
The performance of GPPS grades is tailored to suit different end-use applications:
High Clarity Grades: Optimized for applications requiring maximum transparency, such as food packaging, display cases, and lighting covers.
General-Purpose Grades: Provide a balance between optical clarity and mechanical properties; these are widely used in consumer products and household items.
High Rigid Grades: Emphasize structural stability and dimensional accuracy, making them suitable for precision parts and decorative components.
Performance data from rigorous testing ensures that each grade consistently meets the demands of its intended applications.
Which industries commonly use GPPS products and why?
GPPS is used across various sectors due to its balanced properties:
Packaging: Its high transparency and ease of processing make it ideal for clear packaging and food containers.
Consumer Goods: Lightweight yet rigid, GPPS is popular for household products, toys, and disposable items.
Automotive and Electronics: Certain GPPS grades are used in instrument panels, casings, and decorative components where both aesthetics and dimensional stability are key.
Display and Lighting: The excellent optical qualities of specific GPPS grades support their usage in lighting diffusers and display materials.
These applications are supported by comprehensive technical evaluations and industry performance standards.
How are technical specifications standardized for GPPS classifications?
Standardizing GPPS involves strict adherence to defined testing protocols and specifications:
Density Measurements: Typically maintained within a narrow range (1.04–1.06 g/cm³) to ensure uniformity.
MFI Testing: Ensures the material flows predictably during processing, with values provided in technical data sheets.
Mechanical Testing: ASTM and ISO methods are used to test tensile strength, impact resistance, and flexural properties.
Optical Analysis: Clarity and light transmittance are measured with spectrophotometers to meet transparency requirements.
These rigorous tests help maintain consistent quality across batches and provide documented evidence for each grade.
What quality control measures are in place for GPPS production?
Quality control in GPPS production is critical and involves multiple layers of testing and verification:
Raw Material Sourcing: Only high-quality, certified raw materials are used, with each batch undergoing thorough pre-production testing.
In-Process Monitoring: Key parameters such as temperature, pressure, and MFI are continuously monitored during production.
Final Product Testing: Each lot is subjected to a series of standardized tests to verify density, optical properties, and mechanical performance.
Certifications: Many GPPS products comply with international standards (ASTM, ISO) and environmental regulations, ensuring consistent performance and quality.
These measures provide documented assurance of product integrity for both manufacturers and customers.