Polymer Chemistry

Polymers in and Around You

What is Styrofoam®?

Styrofoam® is a brand name (owned by the Dow Chemical Company) for expanded polystyrene foam. It’s 98% air, which is why those styrofoam® coffee cups are so light (and actually buoyant). In addition to disposable food containers, polystyrene foam is used in building and pipe insulation, packing peanuts, and that green stuff they use for holding together fake flower arrangements.