Transparent high-performance plastic with temperature and hydrolysis resistance
Polysulfone (PSU) is an amorphous high-performance thermoplastic with high temperature resistance and excellent hydrolysis resistance. The material can be used continuously at temperatures up to approximately 150–160°C while retaining its mechanical strength.
A key characteristic is its excellent resistance to hot water and steam, making PSU particularly suitable for applications involving repeated sterilization processes.
Polysulfone also offers good chemical resistance to aqueous solutions, acids, and alkalis. In addition, the material is characterized by high stiffness and a transparent, amber-colored appearance.
The combination of thermal stability, hydrolysis resistance, and electrical properties makes polysulfone an important material for specialized engineering applications.
Applications of PSU:
PSU is a typical material for applications involving contact with hot water and steam. It is widely used in medical technology and water treatment systems. Its excellent hydrolysis resistance and ability to withstand repeated sterilization processes make it particularly suitable for hygiene-critical environments.
Typical application areas:
- Sterilizable components in medical technology
- Components for hot water and steam applications
- Membranes and filter housings for water treatment
- Electrical insulation components
Properties of PSU at a glance:
- High temperature resistance (~160°C)
- Excellent hydrolysis resistance
- Good chemical resistance
- High strength, stiffness, and hardness over a wide temperature range
- Transparent and rigid
- Good electrical insulating properties
- High processing temperatures
- High melt viscosity
- High resistance to high-energy radiation
- High microwave transparency
Technical properties of PSU:
| Properties | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Bernstein transparent | |
| Density | g/cm³ | 1,24 |
| Tensile strength | N/mm² | 89 |
| Yield elongation | % | 5 |
| Elongation at break | % | 15 |
| Flexural modulus | KSI | 400 |
| Flexural strength | MPa | 122 |
| Hardness | Shore D | 85 |
| Thermal conductivity at 23°C | W / (k * m) | 0,21 |
| Minimum service temperature | °C | -50 |
| Maximum continuous service temperature (20,000 h) | °C | 160 |
| Maximum short-term service temperature | °C | 180 |
| Volume resistivity | Ω * cm | 1014 |
| Surface resistivity | Ω | 1013 |
Material datasheet available for download:
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