Polystyrene standards are widely used in the field of polymer science and analytical chemistry. They serve as reference materials for calibrating instruments like gel permeation chromatography (GPC) or size exclusion chromatography (SEC), which are essential for determining the molecular weight distribution of polymers. These standards help ensure accurate and reproducible measurements, making them critical for quality control in polymer manufacturing. Additionally, they are used in research and development to study polymer properties, such as viscosity and chain length, which influence material performance. Polystyrene standards also play a role in educational settings, providing students with practical examples for understanding polymer characterization techniques.