HIPS PCR
Grade
ASTM D4549 · ISO 1043-1 PS-HI, 2897 · also Styron HIPS
PCR = recycled / regrind-containing HIPS
Cheapest option for non-critical hidden parts and sheet cores; properties vary lot to lot.
Values for the PCR condition
Other HIPS grades and fills
HIPS is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at HIPS.
Compare all 6 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High / super-high impact HIPS | Pick when drop-impact or low-temperature toughness dominates and stiffness can be traded away. | 20 | 21 | 55 | 88 HRR |
PCRThis page Recycled / regrind-containing HIPS | Cheapest option for non-critical hidden parts and sheet cores; properties vary lot to lot. | 21 | 22 | 20 | 76 Shore D |
Antistatic / static-dissipative HIPS | For electronics trays, packaging and covers where charge build-up must be bled off. | 22 | 24 | 25 | 76 Shore D |
flame-retardant HIPS (UL 94 V-0) | Required for TV/monitor back covers, power-tool and appliance housings needing V-0 or V-2 listing. | 23 | 24 | 20 | 76 Shore D |
Mineral / talc-filled HIPS | Cost-down / stiffness-up option for large flat panels where impact can be sacrificed. | 24 | 24 | 8 | 80 Shore D |
High-heat HIPS | For parts near warm electronics or hot-fill/steam-clean exposure where standard HIPS softens. | 26 | 28 | 30 | 79 Shore D |
What is HIPS PCR?
HIPS PCR is HIPS in the PCR grade — cheapest option for non-critical hidden parts and sheet cores; properties vary lot to lot. HIPS PCR has a yield strength of 21 MPa (3.05 ksi) and a tensile strength of 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) — weaker than 79% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 2 GPa (0.29 Msi). HIPS PCR has a density of 1.05 g/cm³ (0.0379 lb/in³), lighter than 69% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 100°C (212 °F).
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 1.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 100% of polymer grades
- Low moisture uptake — 0.07%, better than 81% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Degrades in UV without stabilisers — 18/100, worse than 93% of polymer grades
- Limited service temperature — 60°C (140 °F), worse than 87% of polymer grades
- Low strength — 21 MPa (3.05 ksi), worse than 79% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.16 W/m·K (0.0924 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 78% of polymer grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 70/100, worse than 78% of polymer grades
HIPS PCR properties
Typical room-temperature values for HIPS PCR; 27 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are HIPS reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical4
HIPS PCR has a density of 1.05 g/cm³ (0.0379 lb/in³), lighter than 69% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 100°C (212 °F).
Mechanical14
HIPS PCR has a yield strength of 21 MPa (3.05 ksi) and a tensile strength of 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) — weaker than 79% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 2 GPa (0.29 Msi).
Thermal11
HIPS PCR is rated for continuous service to 60°C (140 °F). It conducts heat at 0.16 W/m·K (0.0924 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 78% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 80 µm/m·K (44.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
HIPS PCR is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 22 kV/mm (558.8 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), worse than 78% of polymer grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of HIPS PCR takes about 92 MJ of energy and emits 1.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 74% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 70%.
Manufacturability8
HIPS PCR's machinability is good (62/100, better than 60% of polymer grades); weldability good (55/100); formability fair (45/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with HIPS PCR
Is HIPS easy to machine?
Machines and dies easily with sharp, positive-rake tools and high speed/low feed; avoid heat build-up (smearing) and avoid cutting fluids containing solvents that stress-crack it.
Can HIPS be welded?
Excellent ultrasonic, hot-plate, spin and solvent (MEK/toluene-based) welding; also readily bonded with cyanoacrylate and styrene cements.
Can HIPS be formed, bent or molded?
Very easy injection molding at 190–250 °C melt with 20–60 °C molds; predrying 2–3 h at 70–80 °C recommended; sheet thermoforms cleanly at 140–180 °C with low forces.
What surface finishes work on HIPS?
Takes hot stamping, pad/screen printing, vacuum metallizing and paint well (use styrene-compatible primers); poor UV durability means outdoor parts must be painted or capped.
HIPS chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| polybutadiene rubbergrafted/occluded salami-type rubber particles 0.5–5 µm | 4 – 12 | 7 |
| mineral oil (internal lubricant/plastici | 0.5 – 3.5 | 2 |
| antioxidant / stabilizer package | 0.05 – 0.5 | 0.2 |
| residual styrene monomerfood-grade limits lower | 0 – 0.1 | 0.03 |
| polystyrene (styrene monomer units)continuous glassy matrix | ≥ 88 (balance) | — |
HIPS PCR — frequently asked
What is HIPS PCR used for?
HIPS PCR is typically used for refrigerator liners, TV/appliance housings, toys, signage and displays and thermoformed packaging trays. In short: impact-toughened polystyrene; easiest thermoforming styrenic; low-cost opaque housings.
What is the yield strength of HIPS PCR?
HIPS PCR has a typical yield strength of 21 MPa (3.05 ksi) and a tensile strength of 22 MPa (3.19 ksi) — weaker than 79% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is HIPS PCR easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 60% of polymer grades). Machines and dies easily with sharp, positive-rake tools and high speed/low feed; avoid heat build-up (smearing) and avoid cutting fluids containing solvents that stress-crack it.
Can HIPS PCR be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). Excellent ultrasonic, hot-plate, spin and solvent (MEK/toluene-based) welding; also readily bonded with cyanoacrylate and styrene cements.
What surface finishes work on HIPS PCR?
Takes hot stamping, pad/screen printing, vacuum metallizing and paint well (use styrene-compatible primers); poor UV durability means outdoor parts must be painted or capped.
Can HIPS PCR be formed, bent or molded?
Very easy injection molding at 190–250 °C melt with 20–60 °C molds; predrying 2–3 h at 70–80 °C recommended; sheet thermoforms cleanly at 140–180 °C with low forces.
What is the maximum service temperature of HIPS PCR?
HIPS PCR is rated for continuous use to about 60°C (140 °F), and briefly to 85°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM D4549 — Standard Classification System for Polystyrene and Rubber-Modified Polystyrene Molding and Extrusion Materials — ASTM International (2020)
- ISO 2897-1/2 — Plastics — Impact-resistant polystyrene (PS-I) moulding and extrusion materials — ISO (2021)
- GB/T 4454 — HIPS — SAC (2018)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- HIPS resin datasheets (Styron/Trinseo, Chi Mei PH series, INEOS Styrolution Styrolux/PS-I) — various producers (2023)
- CAMPUS plastics database — PS-I entries (ISO 527 / ISO 75 / ISO 306 data) — CWFG (2024)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.