Abstract: Cross-linked polystyrene (CLPS) with compact structure was prepared by free radical crosslinking copolymerization (FCC), with styrene as the monomer, and divinylbenzene as crosslinker. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed as a characterization role. The influence of crosslinker and thermal treatment on the mechanical properties of CLPS was researched. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of CLPS was increased and then decreased with the increasing of DVB, and the curves showed optimal mechanical properties at 1.6～1.8 wt%, what’s more, the tensile strength and rupture ratio were increased nearly by 12 % and 20 % respectively after being suitable anaphase thermal treatment.

Key words: polystyrene, dvinylbenzene, cross-linked, thermosets, mechanical property