Premium
The SPE international award address—1973 the development of impact polystyrene–a review
Author(s) -
Amos J. Lawrence
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.760140102
Subject(s) - materials science , polystyrene , expanded polystyrene , engineering ethics , polymer science , composite material , engineering , polymer
Abstract The development of impact polystyrene and types of processes used is traced from its inception. Our accidental discovery of the process has resulted in the process being termed unique in that no other commercial polymerization has a like phenomenon that occurs in the shearing agitation step. The prior art and patent picture, before and after the issue of the Dow basic patent, is discussed. The litigation that has centered around the patent is reviewed. Information presented shows that this basic process for impact polystyrene has experienced an unusual degree of commercial success and has led to this family of plastics becoming of major commercial importance. These impact plastics have been accepted and used on a global basis.