PPSU Plastic Material: Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to PPSU

Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) is a high-performance thermoplastic material belonging to the sulfone polymer family. This amorphous polymer is renowned for its exceptional combination of thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. PPSU stands out among engineering plastics due to its ability to maintain properties at elevated temperatures while offering excellent transparency in its natural state.

Key Characteristics of PPSU

1. Thermal Properties

PPSU exhibits outstanding thermal stability with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 220°C and can withstand continuous service temperatures up to 180°C. Its heat deflection temperature (HDT) at 1.82 MPa reaches 207°C, significantly higher than other transparent thermoplastics like polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The material maintains dimensional stability across a wide temperature range from -40°C to +160°C.

2. Mechanical Strength

With a tensile strength of 70-75 MPa and flexural modulus of 2.3-2.5 GPa, PPSU demonstrates remarkable mechanical properties. Its impact strength of 85 kJ/m² (notched Izod at 23°C) surpasses most engineering plastics, making it highly resistant to cracking or breaking under stress. The material shows creep resistance superior to Polysulfone (PSU) and Polyethersulfone (PES), maintaining 90% of its initial modulus after 1000 hours at 100°C under load.

3. Chemical Resistance

PPSU resists hydrolysis and maintains stability when exposed to pH ranges from 2 to 13. It withstands repeated steam sterilization cycles at 134°C and shows excellent resistance to acids, bases, alcohols, and hydrocarbon solvents. The material's water absorption rate is only 0.37% after 24 hours immersion, significantly lower than many competing polymers.

4. Optical Properties

Natural PPSU offers light transmission of 80-85% in the visible spectrum with a haze value below 1%, comparable to polycarbonate. Its refractive index of 1.67 makes it suitable for optical applications. The material maintains optical clarity after repeated sterilization cycles, with less than 5% transmittance loss after 100 autoclave cycles.

5. Electrical Properties

PPSU demonstrates excellent dielectric properties with a dielectric strength of 16 kV/mm and volume resistivity of 10¹⁶ Ω·cm. Its dissipation factor remains below 0.003 across a wide frequency range (50 Hz to 1 MHz), making it suitable for high-frequency applications.

Applications of PPSU

Maintenance and Care of PPSU Products

Cleaning Procedures

For optimal performance and longevity of PPSU products:

• Use mild detergents with pH between 5 and 9 for routine cleaning

• For disinfection, employ 70% ethanol solutions or hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners

• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that may scratch surfaces

• For heavily soiled items, pre-soak in warm (≤60°C) detergent solution

Sterilization Methods

PPSU withstands multiple sterilization techniques:

• Steam autoclaving: 121°C for 20 minutes or 134°C for 5 minutes

• Gamma radiation: Up to 25-50 kGy dose

• Ethylene oxide (EtO): Standard sterilization cycles

• Hydrogen peroxide plasma: Low-temperature sterilization

Storage Recommendations

• Store in clean, dry environments at 15-30°C

• Protect from direct sunlight to prevent potential UV degradation

• Keep away from strong oxidizing agents and concentrated acids

• For long-term storage, use sealed containers to prevent dust accumulation

Handling Precautions

• Avoid contact with ketones and chlorinated hydrocarbons

• When machining PPSU, use sharp tools and adequate cooling

• For bonding, use solvent welding with dimethylformamide (DMF) or cyanoacrylate adhesives

• In high-stress applications, avoid continuous exposure to temperatures above 160°C