Styrene and its insulation potentialities

In the development of new insulating materials, those which have large-scale application in other fields will prove most economical. Styrene, one such material, has decreased steadily in cost. IN 1937 the writer reviewed in some detail the history of polystyrene as an insulating material from 1913 onwards.¹ The intervening four years have shown a marked increase in the use of styrene in the electrical field, as well as decided progress in technical control and application. In view of these achievements, it seems desirable once again to review the general situation. The question is sometimes asked, “Why concentrate on polystyrene?” There are undoubtedly other polymeric materials of undisputed merit, among them polythene and polyisobutylene. One can only point out that high-grade characteristics alone are not sufficient to cause commercial development and interest. Economics must be considered.