EN
DE
PSU
Material Type
Engineering Plastics
Material Full Name
Polyphenylene Oxide
Process Compatibility
Injection Molding, CNC Machining
Basic Properties
Property |
Parameter/Performance |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Polysulfone | Sulfone groups (-SO₂-) and isopropylidene linkages in backbone |
| Molecular Structure | Amorphous thermoplastic | Naturally amber, dark-colorable |
| Density | 1.24~1.30 g/cm³ | 5-8% heavier than PC, 50% lighter than metals |
| Transparency | 85-88% light transmittance (3mm) | Medical grades reach 90% |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| – Tensile Strength | 70-85 MPa | Superior creep resistance vs. PC |
| – Impact Strength | 8-15 kJ/m² (notched Izod) | Remains tough at -100℃ |
| – Wear Resistance | μ=0.3-0.4 | Requires PTFE additives |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| – HDT (1.82MPa) | 175-185℃ | Highest among amorphous plastics |
| – Service Temperature | -100℃~160℃ (short-term 180℃) | UL RTI 150℃ (electrical) |
| Chemical Properties | ||
| – Hydrolysis Resistance | Withstands 500+ steam sterilization cycles (134℃) | Top choice for medical sterilization |
| – Chemical Resistance | Resists acids/alkalis/alcohols; dissolves in ketones/halocarbons | Avoid acetone/chloroform |
Processing Characteristics
Drying Essential:
- 150℃ for 4-6 hours (moisture <0.02%)
- Moisture causes bubbles/splay marks
Melt Temperature:
- 320-380℃ (degrades >400℃)
Mold Temperature:
- 120-160℃ (higher temps reduce stress)
Special Requirements:
- Corrosion-resistant screws (trace SO₂ release)
Common Application Areas
-
Medical: Endoscope components, ECMO membranes
-
Aerospace: Aircraft window inner layers, fuel system valves
-
Food: Microwave-safe containers, juicer parts
-
Energy: Nuclear plant instrument covers, solar collectors
PSU Modified Types
Type |
Characteristics |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Standard PSU | High clarity/heat resistance | Surgical tools, dialyzer housings |
| 30% Glass-Filled PSU | Flexural strength >200 MPa | Aircraft interiors, drone frames |
| Conductive PSU | Carbon fiber (10³-10⁶ Ω·cm) | Semiconductor wafer carriers |
| Flame-Retardant PSU | UL94 V0 (halogen-free) | High-speed rail cable insulation |
| Food-Grade PSU | FDA 21 CFR 177.1655 compliant | Baby bottles, coffee machine reservoirs |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Best heat resistance (amorphous plastics) | Extremely high melt viscosity (needs high-pressure injection) |
| Excellent gamma radiation resistance (>100 kGy) | Expensive (8-10× PC cost) |
| Inherent medical safety (no plasticizer migration) | Poor solvent resistance |
Other Engineering Plastics Selection
POM Materials
PA Materials
PC Materials
PET Materials
PEEK Materials
FAQ Of PSU Materials
Visit our FAQ center for more questions.
What are PSU's core advantages in medical applications?
PSU provides medical-grade biocompatibility (ISO 10993/USP Class VI certified), withstands 200+ steam sterilization cycles (134℃), and maintains performance without yellowing or degradation.
How does PSU differ from standard engineering plastics?
Maintains high mechanical strength from -100℃ to +160℃, 80% light transmission (natural color), superior hydrolysis resistance vs PC/PEEK, ideal for precision parts in prolonged liquid contact.
What special process controls are needed for PSU?
Requires rigorous drying (150℃/4+ hours), high-temperature barrel (340-380℃), mold temp 130-160℃. Flow length ratio should be <100:1 to prevent molecular chain scission.