What is HIPS?
HIPS, or High Impact Polystyrene, is a rubber-modified version of polystyrene designed for improved toughness and durability. Its classification typically depends on:
- Rubber Content: The level and type of butadiene rubber incorporated affect impact strength and flexibility.
- Physical Properties: Density, melt flow index (MFI), and mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation are key factors.
- Processing Characteristics: Variations in processing parameters help differentiate grades suitable for injection molding, extrusion, or thermoforming applications.
Industry standards and technical datasheets provide the benchmarks used for these classifications.
HIPS is affordable, available in various colors, and recyclable, which suits businesses looking for practical and eco-friendly options. These qualities make HIPS a top pick for plastic wholesale needs.
supply Various Grades of HIPS pellets
| Grade No. | Manufacturer | Brand | Melt Flow (g/10 min 200°C/ 5kg) | IZOD Impact (23℃ kJ/m²) | Properties | Application |
| 476L | BASF | Bycolene | 5 | N\A | DOWNLOAD | Electrical housings, refrigerators, drawers |
| 2710 | BASF | Bycolene | 4.5 | N\A | DOWNLOAD | Refrigerator liners & sheet applications |
| HP835G | Formosa | TAIRILAC | 3.7 | N\A | DOWNLOAD | Electrical & appliance components applications |
| HP825G | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 4 | 0.09 | DOWNLOAD | Appliance components such as A/C housing |
| HP825N | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 3 | 0.15 | DOWNLOAD | Electrical panels, and home appliances housing |
| HP8250 | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 5.5 | 0.12 | DOWNLOAD | TV housing, terminal cable jacketing, and prototyping |
| HP9450 | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 3 | 0.15 | DOWNLOAD | Bobbins, extruded sheets, and flotation devices |
| HP825S | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 2.7 | 0.1 | DOWNLOAD | Automotive door liners and refrigerator inner liners |
| HP825T | Formosa | TAIRIREX | N\A | 0.11 | DOWNLOAD | Refrigerator inner liners, refrigerator door liners |
| MP6500 | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 6.7 | 0.08 | DOWNLOAD | Appliance components, stationery, clock housing |
| HP825F | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 9 | 0.115 | DOWNLOAD | Electrical appliance housings, baby car components |
| 825 | Huajin Chemica | Huajin Chemica | 6 – 10 | N\A | DOWNLOAD | Injection molding and extrusion molding applications |
| 4241 | INEOS Styrolution | INEOS Styrolution | 3.5 | 11.5 | DOWNLOAD | Food packaging, housewares, extrusion |
| 6351 | INEOS Styrolution | INEOS Styrolution | 3.5 | 10 | DOWNLOAD | Electrical and electronic (E&E) products, toys, |
| 8265 | INEOS Styrolution | INEOS Styrolution | 3.5 | 13 | DOWNLOAD | Refrigerator inner liners, thermoforming sheets |
| 495F | INEOS Styrolution | INEOS Styrolution | 9.5 | N\A | DOWNLOAD | Consumer electronics & appliance parts |
| HIPS622 | SECCO | SECCO | 4.5 | 12 | DOWNLOAD | Toys, housewares & appliance parts |
We're here to meet all your HIPS needs
High Impact Polystyrene FAQs
What are the main factors used to differentiate HIPS grades?
HIPS grades are primarily differentiated by the following factors:
Impact Resistance: Graded based on standardized tests (e.g., Charpy impact), with higher impact values indicating tougher materials.
Melt Flow Index (MFI): Determines how easily the resin flows during processing; lower MFI values generally indicate higher molecular weight and strength.
Surface Finish and Color Consistency: Some applications require a specific opacity or finish, which drives classification.
Thermal Properties: Heat deflection temperature and softening point are crucial for applications where dimensional stability at elevated temperatures is required.
Data from industry-standard tests ensure that each grade meets specific performance criteria.
What are the common types of HIPS available?
The HIPS market is generally segmented into several types based on formulation and application needs:
Standard Grade HIPS: Used for general-purpose applications, offering a balance between processability and impact strength.
High Impact Grade HIPS: Contains a higher rubber content for enhanced toughness; ideal for parts requiring superior durability.
Heat Resistant HIPS: Specially formulated to maintain physical stability under elevated temperatures, useful for automotive and electrical applications.
Specialty HIPS: Customized for specific end-use requirements such as improved colorability, surface gloss, or flame retardancy.
Manufacturers provide detailed technical datasheets to help end users choose the appropriate type based on performance data.
How does butadiene content affect HIPS classification?
Butadiene is the key modifier in HIPS that imparts improved impact resistance. The classification of HIPS is influenced by:
Rubber Particle Size and Distribution: Higher butadiene content can lead to a more uniform dispersion of rubber particles, which enhances toughness.
Impact Performance: Typically, HIPS with increased butadiene content can show up to 2–5 times the impact strength of unmodified polystyrene.
Processing Behavior: While increasing butadiene improves impact performance, it can also alter flow properties; therefore, each grade is balanced to meet specific processing requirements.
This balance is critical and is supported by rigorous testing and certification according to industry standards.
What applications are best served by different HIPS grades?
Each HIPS grade is tailored for a range of industrial applications:
Standard and High Impact HIPS: Commonly used in consumer products, appliance housings, and packaging where durability and ease of processing are essential.
Heat Resistant HIPS: Often chosen for automotive components, electrical enclosures, and parts exposed to thermal stress.
Specialty Grades: Designed for applications demanding particular aesthetic or performance characteristics, such as medical devices or high-quality consumer electronics.
The selection is guided by technical data and performance metrics provided in product datasheets, ensuring optimal compatibility with the end-use environment.
How do manufacturers ensure consistency across HIPS classifications?
Consistency across different HIPS classifications is maintained through:
Strict Quality Control: Adhering to ISO or ASTM standards with regular in-house testing of mechanical, thermal, and processing properties.
Standardized Raw Material Sourcing: Working with accredited suppliers to ensure uniformity in resin quality.
Process Control and Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of processing parameters such as temperature, pressure, and MFI to maintain product consistency across batches.
Documentation and Certification: Providing comprehensive technical datasheets and certifications that attest to the material’s properties and performance.
These measures ensure that each HIPS grade consistently meets the detailed performance criteria required by various industrial applications.
How can customers determine the best HIPS grade for their application?
Selecting the appropriate HIPS grade involves considering several technical and practical factors:
Reviewing Technical Data Sheets (TDS): These documents offer detailed information on mechanical strength, impact resistance, thermal properties, and processing characteristics.
Application-Specific Requirements: Factors like expected impact loads, environmental conditions (e.g., temperature), and aesthetic considerations (e.g., surface finish) should guide the selection process.
Consulting Technical Support: Most manufacturers offer expert consultation services to help identify the most suitable HIPS grade based on specific performance needs.
Prototyping and Testing: For critical applications, conducting trial runs or prototyping can provide practical insights into the material’s performance under real-world conditions.
This data-driven approach ensures that customers choose the HIPS grade that optimally balances performance and cost for their unique application.