| Quantity: | |
|---|---|
Polysulfone (PSU) is a high-performance amorphous thermoplastic engineering polymer celebrated for its exceptional balance of thermal stability, chemical resistance, and optical transparency. Engineered to perform in demanding environments where both durability and precision matter, it stands out with a continuous service temperature of up to 150℃ and glass transition temperature (Tg) of ≈185℃, making it suitable for sectors like medical device manufacturing, electronics, food processing, and industrial equipment. Unlike many thermoplastics, PSU retains its mechanical properties across a wide temperature range and offers inherent flame retardancy (UL94 V-0 rating without additives), eliminating the need for additional flame-retardant compounds in sensitive applications. Its excellent processability via injection molding, extrusion, and machining also enables the production of complex, high-precision parts.
PSU delivers reliable thermal performance, with a continuous service temperature of ≥150℃ and Tg of ≈185℃, allowing it to withstand prolonged exposure to moderate heat without softening or degrading. This makes it ideal for applications like electronic component housings (exposed to heat from circuit boards) and food processing equipment (subject to repeated thermal cycles). Unlike lower-performance plastics (e.g., ABS), PSU does not warp or lose structural integrity at temperatures up to 150℃, ensuring long-term operational reliability.
A key advantage of PSU is its inherent flame retardancy, achieving a UL94 V-0 rating without the addition of external flame retardants. This eliminates the risk of additive leaching (critical for food-contact or medical applications) and maintains material purity. During combustion, PSU releases minimal smoke and toxic fumes, complying with strict safety standards for enclosed spaces (e.g., aircraft cabins, hospital rooms). For example, in medical device enclosures, this property prevents fire spread while avoiding contamination from flame-retardant additives.
PSU exhibits strong resistance to most acids (e.g., dilute hydrochloric acid, acetic acid), alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide solutions), and organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, methanol). It also resists hydrolysis, making it suitable for wet environments like medical sterilization (autoclaving at 121℃) or food washing equipment. Its high purity—compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 177.1650 (food contact) and ISO 10993 (medical biocompatibility)—ensures no harmful substances leach into food or bodily fluids, a critical requirement for healthcare and food-processing industries.
With >80% light transmittance (thickness-dependent), PSU rivals glass in clarity while offering superior impact resistance. This transparency makes it ideal for applications like medical device windows (e.g., dialyzer sight glasses) and electronic display covers. Additionally, PSU maintains excellent dimensional stability, with a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of ≈50 x 10⁻⁶/℃ (23–100℃), preventing part distortion even when exposed to temperature fluctuations. For precision parts like electronic connectors, this stability ensures consistent fit and function over time.
PSU boasts high tensile strength (≈70 MPa) and impact resistance (Izod notched impact strength: ≈60 J/m at 23℃), even at elevated temperatures. It resists creep (deformation under constant load) better than many thermoplastics, making it suitable for structural components like industrial pump impellers or medical device frames. Its durability also translates to long service life, reducing replacement costs in high-wear applications (e.g., food processing conveyor parts).
| Category | Specification | Details |
| Chemical Identifiers | CAS Number | 25135-51-7 |
| Molecular Formula | (C₁₂H₈O₄S)ₙ | |
| Molecular Weight | 20,000–50,000 (ensures consistent mechanical and thermal performance) | |
| Physical & Thermal Properties | Appearance | Transparent or slightly amber granule/pellet |
| Density | ≈1.24 g/cm³ | |
| Continuous Service Temperature | Up to 150℃ | |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | ≈185℃ | |
| Light Transmittance | >80% (for 3mm thick samples, visible light range) | |
| Flame Rating | UL94 V-0 (1.6mm thickness, no additives) | |
| Compliance Standards | Food Contact | Compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 177.1650 |
| Medical Biocompatibility | Compliant with ISO 10993-1 | |
| Eco-Compliance | RoHS/REACH (Free of restricted substances: lead, cadmium, PBDEs) |
In medical devices, PSU is used for components like dialyzer housings, surgical instrument handles, and drug delivery system reservoirs. Its biocompatibility (ISO 10993) ensures safe contact with blood and tissue, while its resistance to autoclaving (121℃) allows repeated sterilization of reusable tools. For example, PSU dialyzer housings are transparent, enabling medical staff to monitor blood flow during dialysis, and chemically resistant to disinfectants used in post-treatment cleaning.
PSU is ideal for electronic components such as connector insulators, sensor housings, and LED lighting diffusers. Its thermal stability (up to 150℃) protects against heat from semiconductors, while its inherent flame retardancy (UL94 V-0) meets safety standards for electrical enclosures (e.g., IEC 60695). In LED lighting, its high light transmittance (>80%) ensures efficient light diffusion without yellowing over time, making it suitable for commercial and residential lighting fixtures.
For food processing, PSU is used in parts like conveyor belts, mixer blades, and beverage filling nozzles. Compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 177.1650 ensures no chemical leaching into food, even when exposed to hot liquids (e.g., 95℃ coffee) or acidic foods (e.g., citrus juices). Its chemical resistance also simplifies cleaning with food-safe detergents, maintaining hygiene in production lines for dairy, bakery, and beverage products.
In industrial settings, PSU is employed for pump housings, valve seats, and chemical storage tanks. Its creep resistance and chemical resistance to industrial solvents (e.g., mineral oils, ethylene glycol) make it suitable for handling corrosive fluids in chemical processing plants. For example, PSU pump housings in wastewater treatment facilities withstand prolonged exposure to acidic effluents without degradation, reducing maintenance downtime.
PSU has a continuous service temperature of up to 150℃, maintaining stability in moderate-heat environments.
Yes, it complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 177.1650 (food contact) and ISO 10993 (medical biocompatibility).
PSU resists most acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and hydrolysis, ideal for wet or corrosive conditions.
Yes, it offers excellent processability through injection molding, extrusion, and machining.
