What are polystyrene balls?
polystyrene balls are small polymer molecules that were filled with air to increase their size. The polymers used to create these molecules are derived from oil by -products through the distillation and refining process. Once they have been filled with air, the balls can be connected together and formed larger beads or formed into products from foam insulation to food packaging.
The polymers used to create polystyrene balls begin because the molecules measure only 0.02 inches (0.5 mm) in diameter. They are exposed to the steam process that inflates the air into the molecule to create a much larger polystyrene ball. These are the same foam balls found in the average armchair. If the beads are placed in a mold or extruded through the matrix, they can be connected together to create much larger products. In the average polystyrene product, the polymer molecules were filled so much air that air made up of a much larger percentageAbout make -up material than tpolymer alone. Despite their nature filled with air, they are also very strong and durable. While polystyrene is widely used because of these benefits and its low costs, many critics are expressed in the long life of this product. It is difficult to recycle polystyrene and can last for centuries in a landfill.
Free polystyrene balls are used to fill chairs or beans toys. When forming or extruding, they are also used to produce products, including peanut packaging and a hard foam case used to protect electronics. This material is used to produce containers of warm foods found in restaurants for transport, as well as for disposable cups and plates. Polystyrene balls can even be formed into dense foam leaves that are used to insulate buildings.
Polystyrene balls used in Arts and Crafts Materials are made using slightly OdlIdest techniques than techniques used in the packaging and isolation of food. These beads are preliminarily disintegrated and treated with solvents before they are steamed, resulting in a dense material that creates a crispy sound when it is cut or damaged. Polystyrene balls are used to produce many products used in artistic projects, including balls as small as marble or as large as basketball. Manufacturers also create polystyrene balls into various shapes, such as Easter eggs or animals that can be painted or decorated. This type of polystyrene also serves as a stable basic material for artificial flowers, such as bouquets used as grave marks.