Sulfones/Properties
Three Basic Sulfones
PPSU, Polyphenylsulfone, delivers the highest performance of any sulfone polymer, offering better impact and chemical resistance than polysulfone (PSU) and Polyetherimide (PEI).
PPSU:
- High HDT of 207°C (405°F)
- Toughness & impact strength
- Hydrolytic stability
- Inherently flame retardant
- Transparent & Colorable
PSU, polysulfone, a rigid, high-strength, semi-tough, transparent plastic, offers higher heat resistance and better hydrolytic stability than polycarbonate (PC). It retains its good mechanical properties when exposed to steam and other sterilization techniques.
PSU:
- HDT of 174°C (345°F)
- High strength
- Hydrolytic stability
- Good practical toughness
- Transparent & Colorable
PESU, Polyethersulfone, bridges the performance/cost gap between PSU and PPSU. It combines good chemical resistance with a high heat deflection temperature of 204°C (399°F), making it a good fit for baby bottles and other food service applications. PESU is inherently flame retardant.
PPSU: High Heat, High Impact
The high heat resistance and excellent hydrolytic stability of Radel® PPSU make it an excellent choice for hot water fittings and medical devices requiring repeated steam sterilization.
Radel R-7000 Series products are specially formulated for use in aircraft interiors and are in compliance with stringent FAA regulations requiring low heat release, low smoke generation and low toxic gas emissions.
PPSU: Steam Sterilizability
Withstands over 1,000 cycles of steam sterilization without any significant loss of properties.
Exceptional Impact Strength
Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) can withstand continuous exposure to moisture and high temperatures and still absorb tremendous impact without cracking or breaking.
Flame Retardants
Veradel® PESU and Radel® PPSU are inherently flame retardant. Radel R-7000 Series products are specially formulated for us in aircraft interiors and are in compliance with stringent FAA regulations requiring low heat release, low smoke generation and low toxic gas emissions.
Toughness and Impact Strength
Sulfone polymers are extremely tough and do not break in standard unnotched impact tests. They retain their toughness and strength over time, unlike Polyetherimide (PEI) which exhibits a significant loss of impact strength and becomes brittle.
Transparency and Color
Sulfone polymers offer transparent, opaque and glass-fiber reinforced grades in natural and colored resins. Sulfone polymers are the only thermoplastics that remain transparent at temperatures as high as 204°C (400°F). Even after long-term exposure to elevated temperatures, the materials do not discolor or degrade.
The resin’s natural color is transparent light amber. Low-color grades of Udel PSU with a near water-white appearance are available.
Moldable into Complex Shapes
Sulfones can be injection molded into complex shapes and can be machined to close tolerances for use in such applications as medical and dental devices, plumbing fittings, and food processing.