THE EFFECTS OF PROCESSING CONDITIONS ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF EXTRUDED HIGH IMPACT POLYSTYRENE SHEETS

The influence of various extrusion parameters on the physical properties of rubber modified polystyrene (HIPS) sheets is investigated. The extrusion parameters under consideration are melt temperature, chill-roll temperature, line speed and sheet thickness. Optimum extrusion conditions for producing quality polystyrene sheet feedstock are discussed. For sheet made with one HIPS resin, NOVA’s PS5100, the best gloss is obtained at a high melt temperature (230°C) and a high chill roll temperature setting of (102°C/102°C/102°C). The impact strength is maximized at a melt temperature of 220°C and at a low chill roll temperature setting of (90°C/90°C/90°C). To simultaneously optimize gloss and impact strength at a gauge of 940 μm and line speed of 2 m/min, the best conditions are melt temperature set at 220°C and chill roll temperature setting of (90°C/90°C/90°C).