Styrene

A high-activity base monomer for polymerisation, supplied with a built-in inhibitor system for controlled reactions and long-haul storage.

At a Glance

CAS No.	100-42-5
Chemical Name	Styrene (phenylethylene; vinylbenzene)
Molecular Formula	C8H8
Purity	≥99%
Origin	China
Packaging	210 L steel drum (185 kg) / IBC / ISO tank / small drum
Lead Time	15–20 working days after deposit

Product Overview

Styrene — also called phenylethylene or vinylbenzene — is the core base monomer of the global polymer industry, produced continuously by the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene and purified by distillation, with impurities and residual trace aromatics tightly controlled. A compliant TBC inhibitor is added, so the product does not self-polymerise at ambient temperature and polymerisation activity stays consistent from batch to batch, without shifts in reaction rate or uneven mechanical properties in the finished part.

The liquid is a pale yellow, transparent oil that is compatible with the vast majority of polyester, acrylic and rubber systems. Its unsaturated double bond allows it to homopolymerise or to copolymerise with acrylonitrile, butadiene, diols and other monomers, making it the source material for the plastics, rubber and composites chain. Storage requires temperature control and protection from light; avoiding strong acids and strong oxidisers greatly reduces the risk of self-polymerisation, and low-temperature storage and transport support long-cycle overseas supply.

Key Advantages

Stable Inhibition System, No Self-Polymerisation in Transit

TBC inhibitor is added to an in-house standard. Low-temperature, sealed transport and storage keep the product free of lumps and polymer for months, sharply reducing deterioration losses on long sea voyages and suiting long-cycle export orders.

Uniform Polymerisation Activity, Consistent Downstream Properties

Low impurity content gives a steady exotherm during polymerisation, so strength, gloss and toughness vary very little from batch to batch in PS, ABS and rubber — a fit for 24-hour continuous polymerisation lines.

Broad Copolymerisation Range, Multi-Monomer Modification

Copolymerises in any ratio with butadiene, acrylonitrile, diacids and diols, and acrylic monomers, covering plastics, rubber, resins and coatings and reducing the number of raw materials you need to purchase.

Complete Export Support and Straightforward Customs Clearance

Full MSDS, COA, dangerous goods packaging certificate and commodity inspection documents are issued together. Specialist hazardous-cargo logistics provide low-temperature transport, with FCL, LCL and ISO tank options.

Applications

Styrene serves six distinct industrial routes: general-purpose polystyrene, ABS engineering plastics, styrene-butadiene rubber, unsaturated polyester resin, water-based latex coatings and PVC impact modification.

• General-purpose polystyrene (PS/EPS) — the monomer behind clear GPPS, high-impact HIPS and expandable EPS used in food packaging, appliance housings, building insulation boards and cold-chain cushioning foam.
• ABS engineering plastics — the core terpolymer monomer for tough automotive interiors, laptop housings, appliance shells and 3D printing filaments, and a mainstream raw material for lightweight parts.
• Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR/SBS) — emulsion SBR for tyres and conveyor belts, and SBS thermoplastic elastomer for footwear, asphalt modification and hot-melt adhesives.
• Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) — a crosslinking and diluting monomer for FRP, sanitary ware, anti-corrosion piping and craft parts, curing to high hardness with good water and corrosion resistance.

Technical Specifications

Appearance	Colourless or slightly yellow transparent oily liquid
Purity	≥99%
Molecular Formula	C8H8
CAS No.	100-42-5
EINECS No.	202-851-5
Relative Density (water = 1)	0.905 (25 °C)
Flash Point	31 °C
Boiling Point	145 °C
Hazard Classification	Class 3 flammable liquid
Stability	Slowly self-polymerises at ambient temperature; an inhibitor is required and the product must be stored away from light at low temperature, otherwise it gradually polymerises and thickens
Solubility	Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, ether and most organic solvents
Storage	Commercial material normally contains an inhibitor. Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse away from ignition sources and heat, at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C. Packaging must be sealed and kept out of contact with air. Keep separately from oxidisers and acids and never store together. Avoid large stocks or long storage. Use explosion-proof lighting and ventilation; do not use mechanical equipment or tools that can produce sparks. The storage area should have spill response equipment and suitable containment material.

Composition

Component	Concentration	CAS No.
Styrene	≥99%	100-42-5

Transport & Compliance

UN No.	UN2055
Hazard Class	Class 3 flammable liquid
Packing Group	III
HS Code	2902500000
Packaging	185 kg per drum (210 L steel drum)

UN and HS codes are shown for reference only — please confirm with us before shipment.

FAQ

What is your minimum order quantity?

Our MOQ is one 20GP container — up to 80 drums of 210 L.

What packaging do you offer?

Standard 210 L steel drums, plus IBC totes, ISO tank containers and small drums.

How many drums fit in a 20GP or 40GP, and can you consolidate?

Yes, we consolidate up to 5 product types in one shipment. A 20GP holds up to 80 drums (210 L); a 40GP holds around 130 drums (210 L).

What is the lead time?

15–20 working days after the deposit is received.

Which export documents do you provide?

COA, MSDS, commodity inspection certificate and dangerous goods packaging certificate. We can also assist with Certificate of Origin and other customs paperwork.

What payment terms do you accept?

T/T: 30% deposit, 70% balance against a copy of the Bill of Lading.

Technical Documents