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Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) is a high-performance engineering plastic renowned for its exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. Designed for high-demand applications where durability and safety are paramount, it offers a continuous service temperature of ≥180℃ and glass transition temperature (Tg) of ≈220℃, enabling it to withstand harsh environments. Compliant with ISO 10993 (medical) and FDA (food contact) standards, PPSU is widely used in medical devices, electronics, aerospace, and food-contact equipment. Its good processability via injection molding and extrusion also makes it suitable for mass-producing complex parts.

PPSU’s thermal stability is a standout feature, with a continuous service temperature of ≥180℃ and Tg of ≈220℃. It retains its mechanical and electrical properties even in prolonged high-heat conditions, such as medical sterilization cycles (e.g., autoclaving at 134℃) or electronic device heat dissipation zones. Unlike plastics like ABS, which soften at ~100℃, PPSU remains rigid and stable, making it ideal for applications like high-temperature electronic connectors or medical sterilization trays.
It exhibits superior resistance to most acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid), alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide), and organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone). This chemical inertness prevents degradation in harsh chemical environments, such as chemical processing equipment or medical tools exposed to disinfectants. For example, PPSU surgical instruments can be repeatedly cleaned with strong disinfectants without losing performance or developing cracks, extending their lifespan.
PPSU boasts excellent mechanical strength and impact resistance, even at room and elevated temperatures. It can withstand heavy loads and sudden impacts without breaking or deforming, making it suitable for structural components like aerospace interior parts or industrial pump impellers. Its high tensile strength also ensures it resists stretching or tearing, critical for parts like medical dialyzer membranes or electronic component brackets.
Compliant with ISO 10993 (medical biocompatibility), PPSU is safe for use in implantable medical devices (e.g., dental abutments) and direct-contact medical tools (e.g., forceps). It does not cause cytotoxicity, sensitization, or tissue irritation, making it compatible with human biology. Additionally, it meets FDA food contact standards, so it is used in food processing equipment and food-contact utensils (e.g., baby bottles, food storage containers) without leaching harmful substances.
PPSU has good flow properties during injection molding and extrusion, allowing it to form complex part geometries (e.g., intricate medical connectors, detailed electronic housings). It requires no specialized processing equipment, making it easy to integrate into existing production lines. Post-processing (e.g., machining, polishing) is also straightforward, enabling manufacturers to achieve tight tolerances for precision parts.
It maintains excellent dimensional stability under temperature and moisture changes. It does not shrink, expand, or warp significantly, ensuring precision parts like electronic connectors or medical valves fit correctly and function reliably. This stability is critical for applications where even minor dimensional changes could cause leaks (e.g., medical fluid delivery systems) or electrical failures (e.g., electronic components).
• Chemical Name: Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)
• CAS Number: 25608-63-3
• Molecular Formula: (C₁₂H₈O₂S)ₙ
• Molecular Weight: 30,000–60,000 (high molecular weight ensures mechanical strength and thermal stability)
• Appearance: Amorphous, transparent to off-white granule (transparent grade suitable for applications requiring visibility, e.g., medical dialyzers; off-white grade for general industrial use)
• Continuous Service Temperature: ≥180℃
• Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): ≈220℃
• Biocompatibility: Compliant with ISO 10993
• Food Contact: Compliant with FDA standards
• Chemical Resistance: Resistant to most acids, alkalis, and organic solvents
PPSU is a staple in medical devices, including surgical instruments (e.g., laparoscopic tools, dental scalers), dialyzers (blood dialysis components), and drug delivery systems (e.g., insulin pumps). Its biocompatibility ensures safe contact with human tissue and blood, while its resistance to high-temperature sterilization allows repeated use of surgical tools. For example, PPSU dialyzer housings are transparent, enabling medical staff to monitor blood flow, and chemical-resistant, withstanding disinfectants.
In electronics, PPSU is used for high-temperature connectors (e.g., EV battery connectors, industrial control connectors), insulation parts (e.g., transformer bobbins), and sensor housings. It maintains electrical insulation and dimensional stability in high-heat electronic environments (e.g., EV engine bays, industrial ovens), preventing short circuits or component failure. Its chemical resistance also protects against harsh electronic cleaning solvents, extending component lifespan.
Aerospace manufacturers use PPSU for cabin interior parts like passenger seat frames, overhead bin latches, and instrument panel components. Its lightweight nature reduces aircraft weight (improving fuel efficiency), while its thermal stability withstands cabin temperature fluctuations. It also meets aerospace flammability standards (e.g., FAR 25.853), preventing fire spread in case of emergencies, and its impact resistance ensures durability during turbulence.
For food-contact applications, PPSU is used in food processing equipment (e.g., conveyor belts, mixer blades, beverage filling valves) and consumer utensils (e.g., baby bottles, reusable food containers). Compliant with FDA standards, it does not leach chemicals into food, even when exposed to high temperatures (e.g., microwave heating). Its chemical resistance also makes it easy to clean with food-safe detergents, ensuring hygiene in commercial kitchens and food production facilities.