Styrofoam vs. Polystyrene — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 11, 2023
Styrofoam is a brand name for a type of extruded polystyrene foam, while polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from styrene monomers.
Difference Between Styrofoam and Polystyrene
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Styrofoam is actually a brand name owned by Dow Chemical Company and is made from a type of polystyrene foam known as extruded polystyrene. Polystyrene, on the other hand, is a generic term referring to a type of plastic made from styrene monomers.
Styrofoam is specifically designed to be a lightweight, insulating material and is often used in construction or crafts. Polystyrene can be found in various forms, including both solid and foam, and is used for a variety of applications like packaging, disposable cutlery, and more.
In terms of grammar, "Styrofoam" is a proper noun because it's a brand name, and as such, it should be capitalized. "Polystyrene," being a common noun, is typically not capitalized unless it starts a sentence.
Both Styrofoam and polystyrene are petroleum-based products. However, Styrofoam is usually more rigid and closed-cell, making it less permeable to air and moisture than other types of polystyrene foam.
Styrofoam and polystyrene have their own environmental impacts. While both are not biodegradable, Styrofoam is often mistakenly used as a generic term for all types of expanded polystyrene products, some of which may or may not be recyclable. Polystyrene products can sometimes be recycled depending on local facilities.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Brand name
Generic material
Forms
Usually foam
Solid or foam
Grammatical Usage
Proper noun
Common noun
Material Structure
Closed-cell foam
Varies
Environmental Impact
Not biodegradable
Sometimes recyclable
Compare with Definitions
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is a brand name for extruded polystyrene foam.
She used Styrofoam to insulate her attic.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer.
Polystyrene is made from styrene monomers.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is often used for insulation.
The contractor recommended Styrofoam for wall insulation.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is often used in packaging.
The new phone came in a polystyrene case.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is a lightweight material.
Styrofoam is light enough to float on water.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a common plastic.
Polystyrene is one of the most widely used plastics.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is petroleum-based.
Styrofoam is made from petrochemicals.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene may be recyclable.
Some cities have recycling programs for polystyrene.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is not biodegradable.
Styrofoam products often end up in landfills.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is used in various forms.
Polystyrene can be either solid or foamed.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), commonly called "Blue Board", manufactured as foam continuous building insulation board used in walls, roofs, and foundations as thermal insulation and water barrier. This material is light blue in color and is owned and manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company.Styrofoam is colloquially used worldwide to refer to another material that is usually white in color and made of expanded (not extruded) polystyrene foam (EPS).
Polystyrene
Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer known as styrene. Polystyrene can be solid or foamed.
Styrofoam
Expanded polystyrene foam, such as is used in cups and packaging.
Polystyrene
A rigid clear thermoplastic polymer of styrene that can be molded into objects or made into a foam that is used as thermal insulation.
Styrofoam
A light resilient foam of polystyrene
Polystyrene
(organic chemistry) A vinylic polymer of styrene, CH2CHphenyl.
Polystyrene
(organic chemistry) An alkane chain of benzene molecules, RCH2CHphenylR.
Polystyrene
A polymer of styrene; a rigid transparent thermoplastic;
Expanded polystyrene looks like a rigid white foam and is used as packing or insulation
Common Curiosities
Is Styrofoam the Same as Polystyrene?
No, Styrofoam is a specific type of polystyrene foam.
Is Styrofoam a Type of Polystyrene?
Yes, Styrofoam is made from extruded polystyrene.
What is Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is a brand name for a type of extruded polystyrene foam.
How is Styrofoam Used?
Styrofoam is often used in insulation and crafts.
Is Styrofoam a Proper Noun?
Yes, Styrofoam is a brand name and should be capitalized.
Is Polystyrene Biodegradable?
No, polystyrene is not biodegradable.
What is Styrofoam Made From?
Styrofoam is made from extruded polystyrene.
Is Styrofoam Recyclable?
Generally no, but it depends on local facilities.
What is Polystyrene Made From?
Polystyrene is made from styrene monomers.
What is Polystyrene?
Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer made from styrene monomers.
Is Polystyrene a Proper Noun?
No, polystyrene is a common noun and typically not capitalized.
How is Polystyrene Used?
Polystyrene is used in packaging, disposable items, and more.
Are Styrofoam and Polystyrene Harmful to the Environment?
Both have environmental impacts, primarily due to their non-biodegradable nature.
Is Polystyrene Recyclable?
Sometimes, depending on the form and local facilities.
Is Styrofoam Biodegradable?
No, Styrofoam is not biodegradable.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
