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Sulfone Polymers
High-Temperature Plastics with a Clear Advantage
| Sulfone polymers are high-heat amorphous thermoplastics with more toughness, strength and hydrolytic stability than other transparent plastics. They withstand prolonged exposure to water, chemicals and heat – handling a broad range of end-use temperatures from -40°C to 204°C (-40°F to 400°F). |
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| Transparent, opaque and glass-fiber reinforced grades are available in natural and colored resins. A comparison of typical properties provides a quick overview of performance capabilities. |
High Heat Resistance
Sulfone polymers are noted for high heat deflection temperatures (HDT) and outstanding dimensional stability. These strong, rigid polymers are the only thermoplastics that remain transparent at service temperatures as high as 204°C (400°F). Even after long-term exposure, the resins do not discolor or degrade.
Hydrolytic Stability
The hydrolytic stability of sulfone polymers makes them highly resistant to water absorption. This combines with heat resistance to deliver reliable long-term performance in hot water and steam, even under autoclave pressures. Unlike other transparent polymers, sulfone polymers are not prone to clouding or crazing.
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. |
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The impact strength of test plaques heat aged at 190°C (375°F) for 170 hours was evaluated using a Gardner falling dart impact tester. Radel PPSU absorbs significantly higher impact force than polyetherimide (PEI) without cracking or breaking.
Chemical Resistance
Sulfone polymers have good chemical resistance to many materials, including the following:
- aqueous systems
- caustics
- inorganic acids
- aliphatic hydrocarbons
- detergents and soaps
- certain alcohols
Sterilization
Udel PSU and Radel PPSU are compatible with a full range of commercial sterilization technologies. Because of its high heat resistance and excellent hydrolytic stability, Radel PPSU can be steam sterilized over 1,000 cycles without any significant loss of properties.
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Transparency and Color
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. Solvay uses its proprietary low-color technology to create vibrant transparent colors that give OEMs a clear advantage over metal without compromising performance.
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Flame Retardancy 
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.
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