Details
Material hierarchy: Polymer - Engineering Thermoplastic - Sulfone Polymer
Polysulfone is abbreviated PSO. Polysulfone is a transparent, amorphous thermoplastic that is stable, heat-resistant, and self-extinguishing, and can be molded, extruded, and thermoformed into a wide variety of shapes. Drying is required before processing. Characteristics of special significance to the design engineer are its heat distortion temperature of 345°F at 264 psi and its UL-rated continuous-service temperature of 320°F. Its glass-transition temperature, Tg, is 374°F.
Polysulfone is rigid, with a flex modulus of almost 400,000 psi, and strong, with a tensile strength of 10,200 psi at yield. Its electrical properties are good; it has a high dielecric strength and a low dissipation factor. The electrical and mechanical properties are retained at temperatures up to 350°F and after immersion in water or exposure to high humidity.
Polysulfone is highly resistant to mineral acid, alkali, and salt solutions. Its resistance to detergents, oils, and alcohols is good even at elevated temperatures under moderate levels of stress. PSO is attacked by polar organic solvents such as ketones and chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Mineral-filled and glass-reinforced grades of polysulfone are offered where additional strength is required, and plating grades also are available.
PSO is used in medical instruments and in sterilizing equipment. Its high-temperature capabilities and transparency are useful in the food industry, where it is used for processing equipment, coffee carafes, beverage dispensers, and piping. Polysulfone also is used to mold microwave oven cookware. In the electronics field, PSO goes into circuit boards, capacitor films, switches, and connectors.