Styrene based polymers

Flame testing

Hold the sample in a lighted match and smell.

Note: Take care when smelling any plastic material. Make sure the flame is totally out. Do not directly inhale the fumes from the burning sample. Hold the sample away from your nose (about 20 - 30 cm) and sniff just enough to get the smell. Do not inhale deeply. Take care of any dripping polymer - it will be very hot and can burn.

Results

Characteristic smell of polystyrene - Polystyrene

Characteristic smell of polystyrene + a bitter smell - Styrene-acrylonitrile

Characteristic smell of polystyrene + smell of rubber - Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer.

 

Last edited: 05/04/2004

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