1839
Eduard Simon, a German apothecary, isolates a substance from natural resin. He does not realize, however, that he has discovered polystyrene.
1930
Eduard Simon, a German apothecary, isolates a substance from natural resin. He does not realize, however, that he has discovered polystyrene.
1937
The Dow Chemical Company introduces the first polystyrene products to the U.S. market and STYRON Polystyrene is born. During World War II, the U.S. government uses virtually all of the PS produced. The plastic is used in radio transmitters, receivers, altimeters, direction finders, homing devices, radar housings, and other military equipment.
1930's
Several Dow researchers – including Dr. Sylvia Stoesser, Dow’s first female chemist – develop an inhibitor that is key to the commercial process for producing styrene at high purity and low cost. It enables the production of a polystyrene that was so clear, people say it looks like crystal. Dow names it STYRON™ Polystyrene (PS).
1940's
Dow develops impact STYRON resins, heat resistant STYRON resins, and polystyrene used in extruded foams, films, and latexes.
1940's
Dow invents Styraloy, a rubbery plastic that combines flexibility at sub-zero temperatures with excellent electrical properties and is used extensively by the military for telephone and radio facilities.
1941
Dow invents a process for extruding polystyrene, which achieves a closed-cell foam that resists moisture. This becomes the basis for STYROFOAM™ brand products.
1950's
Dow develops sheet extrusion and thermoforming with STYRON resins.
1959
The Koppers Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, develops expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam.
1960's
Dow introduces STYRON resins containing flame retardant chemical additives.
1970's
Dow introduces high-heat, high-impact STYRON resins; injection molding and extrusion of structural foam STYRON polystyrene; feedblock coextrusion with STYRON resins; scrapless forming with STYRON resins; and styrenic alloys.
1980's
Dow pioneers improvements in processability and physical and chemical properties with STYRON resins.
1990's
Dow introduces STYRON A-TECH™ Advanced Technology Polystyrene Resins with properties never before possible with high-impact polystyrene.
2009
Styron is the name chosen for a new company, which will be divested from Dow.
2010
Styron is established as an independent company. Its products include latex binders, synthetic rubber, and plastics, including polystyrene.
2015
Styron is established as an independent company. Its products include latex binders, synthetic rubber, and plastics, including polystyrene.