Abstract: The impact strength of containers made from foams of aromatic olefins such as polystyrene and poly-(para-methylstyrene) is improved by the addition of a small amount e.g., 2 to 25 weight percent of a polyethylene such as linear low density polyethylene. Meat trays made of such foams can be processed in automatic packaging equipment and exhibit reduced damage, such as cracking, in processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-foamed flame-retardant article of polymeric composition comprising at least 20% by weight of a monomer mixture comprising 0-0.1% by weight o-methylstyrene 0-15% by weight m-methylstryene and at least 85% by weight p-methylstyrene; 0-80% by weight of a different ethylenic unsaturated monomer; and a sufficient amount of flame-retardants wherein the amount of flame-retardants is substantially less than would be needed had the p-methylstryene been replaced with styrene analogs. The flame retardancy may be achieved by the addition of antimony compounds and halide flame retardants. High impact resistance is achieved by the incorporation of a rubber polymer into the polymeric composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-foamed flame-retardant article of polymeric composition comprising at least 20% by weight of a monomer mixture comprising 0-0.1% by weight o-methylstyrene 0-15% by weight m-methylstyrene and at least 85% by weight p-methylstyrene; 0-80% by weight of a different ethylenic unsaturated monomer; and a sufficient amount of flame-retardants wherein the amount of flame-retardants is substantially less than would be needed had the p-methylstyrene been replaced with styrene analogs. The flame retardancy is achieved by the addition of organophosphorus or halogenated organophosphorus flame retardants. High impact resistance is achieved by the incorporation of a rubbery polymer into the polymeric composition.