Comparison
rHIPS Impact Resistant vs PEEK
A side-by-side comparison of Recycled High Impact Polystyrene and Polyether Ether Ketone.
Physical
Density
1.04-1.06 g/cm³
1.32 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.03-0.05 %
0.15 %
Transparency
Opaque
Opaque (amber)
Shrinkage
0.5-0.8 %
1.1 – 1.4 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
1.5-2.5 GPa
3.6 GPa
Tensile Strength
20-35 MPa
100 MPa
Elongation at Break
5-20 %
50 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
40-100 J/m
55 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
170 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
90-100 °C
143 °C
Melting Point
N/A (amorphous)
343 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
60-70 °C
260 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
70-85 °C (0.45 MPa)
160 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
2.5-2.7
3.2
Volume Resistivity
10^16-10^18 Ohm·cm
10¹⁶ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
15-20 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Good resistance
Excellent
Bases
Good resistance
Excellent
Solvents
Poor resistance to aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons
Excellent
UV Resistance
Poor
Fair
Hydrolysis (steam)
—
Excellent
Sustainability
Recyclability
Recyclable (check local facilities)
Recyclable (specialty)
Recycling Code
6 (PS)
7
Carbon Footprint
Lower than virgin HIPS
~30 kg CO₂e / kg