Polystyrene vs. Polyethylene — What's the Difference?

Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer known as styrene. Polystyrene can be solid or foamed.

Polyethylene or polythene (abbreviated PE; IUPAC name polyethene or poly(methylene)) is the most common plastic in use today. It is a polymer, primarily used for packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes and containers including bottles, etc.).

A rigid clear thermoplastic polymer of styrene that can be molded into objects or made into a foam that is used as thermal insulation.

A polymerized thermoplastic ethylene resin, used especially for containers, kitchenware, and tubing, or in the form of films and sheets for packaging.

(organic chemistry) A vinylic polymer of styrene, CH₂CHphenyl.

(organic compound) A polymer consisting of many ethylene monomers bonded together; used for kitchenware, containers etc.

(organic chemistry) An alkane chain of benzene molecules, RCH₂CHphenylR.

A lightweight thermoplastic; used especially in packaging and insulation

A polymer of styrene; a rigid transparent thermoplastic;