Abstract: The extensional viscosity of a styrenic resin is enhanced by increasing the Z+1 average molecular weight (Mz+1) of the resin. In one embodiment, an enhanced extensional viscosity resin is provided that has an Mz+1 molecular weight of at least approximately 745,000 and an extensional viscosity having a minimum value of approximately 360,000 Pascal-seconds (Pa-sec).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a styrenic resin incorporating post-consumer recycle polystyrene (PCR PS), and systems and methods for making the same. For example, a styrenic resin produced in accordance with present embodiments between approximately 1 weight percent and 9 weight percent PCR PS, has a melt flow rate (MFR) of less than approximately 2.0 g/10 min per ASTM D-1238-10, and an Mz+1 molecular weight of at least 700,000. The styrenic resin is produced by a free-radical polymerization process performed on a feed having PCR PS dissolved in monovinylarene monomer. The feed is produced in such a way so as to continuously remove contaminants commonly associated with PCR PS.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a styrenic resin incorporating post-consumer recycle polystyrene (PCR PS), and systems and methods for making the same. For example, a styrenic resin produced in accordance with present embodiments between approximately 1 weight percent and 9 weight percent PCR PS, has a melt flow rate (MFR) of less than approximately 2.0 g/10 min per ASTM D-1238-10, and an Mz+1 molecular weight of at least 700,000. The styrenic resin is produced by a free-radical polymerization process performed on a feed having PCR PS dissolved in monovinylarene monomer. The feed is produced in such a way so as to continuously remove contaminants commonly associated with PCR PS.

Abstract: The extensional viscosity of a styrenic resin is enhanced by increasing the Z+1 average molecular weight (Mz+1) of the resin. In one embodiment, an enhanced extensional viscosity resin is provided that has an Mz+1 molecular weight of at least approximately 745,000 and an extensional viscosity having a minimum value of approximately 360,000 Pascal-seconds (Pa-sec).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a styrenic resin incorporating post-consumer recycle polystyrene (PCR PS), and systems and methods for making the same. For example, a styrenic resin produced in accordance with present embodiments includes at least approximately 20 weight percent PCR PS, has a melt flow rate (MFR) of less than approximately 2.5 g/10 min per ASTM D-1238-10, and an Mz+1 molecular weight of at least 685,000. The styrenic resin is produced by a free-radical polymerization process performed on a feed having PCR PS dissolved in monovinylarene monomer. The feed is produced in such a way so as to remove contaminants commonly associated with PCR PS.