Details
Material hierarchy: Polymer - Engineering Thermoplastic - Sulfone Polymer
This amorphous material consists of phenyl and biphenyl groups linked by thermally stable ether and sulfone groups. It is distinguished from polysulfone polymers by the absence of aliphatic groups, which are liable to oxidative attack.
Polyarylsulfone is characterized by a high heat-deflection temperature, 400°F at 264 psi, and maintains its mechanical properties up almost to that temperature. At normal ambient temperatures, polyarylsulfone is a strong, stiff, tough material that in general offers properties comparable to those of other engineering thermoplastics.
Polyarylsulfone has good resistance to wide variety of chemicals, including acids, bases, and common solvents. It is unaffected by practically all fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and cleaning agents used on or around electrical components.
Polyarylsulfone may be injection-molded on conventional equipment with sufficient injection pressure and temperature capabilities. Generally, the cylinder and nozzle must be equipped to reach temperatures of 800°F, and the injection system should be capable of providing from 20,000 to 30,000 psi injection pressure. Polyarylsulfone also can be extruded on equipment of varying design. The material must be dried before processing.
Polyarylsulfone can be supplied in transparent or opaque colors and in filled and reinforced grades. Its high-temperature resistance and combustion characteristics have led to its use in many electrical/electronics applications, such as motor parts, lamp housings, connectors, and printed circuit boards.