Views: 281 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-11-09 Origin: Site
PES (Polyethersulfone) and PSU (Polysulfone) are two of the popular and commercially available forms of sulfone polymers. The third one is the PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone).
While every one of these materials is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer, there are still some inherent differences that separate one from the other.
Wondering what sets polysulfone apart from polyethersulfone? In this article, we will examine both materials, covering their structural differences and differences in their applications.
The standard name for this material is bisphenol A polysulfone. As the name implies, bisphenol is an integral part of its makeup. The other vital piece for creating polysulphone a the organic compound 4,4 – dicholrodiphenylsulfone. Both materials undergo the processes of polycondensation and salt formation. The outcome of this is polysulfone, PSU polymer.
To further optimize the melt processibility and flexibility, Isopropylidene is also an integral part of its entire manufacturing process. Isopropylidene is essentially a non-polar methyl side chain. This is what reduces the hygroscopy level of PSU.
PSU features an elevated electrical property. However, the same can not be said about its heat resistance. It performs poorly under high heat situations. In essence, its heat resistance and distortion, and continuous use temperature have nothing on PES.
Polyethersulfone is yet another high-performance polymer. Unlike PSU, PES features several synthesis approaches and methods. This includes melting the dechlorination approach, melting desalination, solution desalination, and several other processes.
Placing this side-by-side with PSU, polyethersulfone doesn't have isopropylidene anywhere in its makeup. Even without that, it does reliably when it comes to heat resistance and thermo-oxidation. Now, the question is how? Polyethersulfone retains the diphenylsulfone group responsible for the thermals and oxidation stability as well as the temperature resistance inherent to polysulfone. On top of that, with PES, you can get material with great electrical insulation, high impact resistance, top mechanical properties, and an ether group that optimizes its processability.
PES combines the best properties of polyphenylsulfone and polysulfone and offers them with even greater quality. Its heat resistance is more than what you'd typically yet from PSU, and its processability is more than what you'd find in PPSU. You can process PES using the same processes as with every other general thermoplastic. Manufacturers deem PES as the first engineering plastic to combine the inherent properties of high impact strength, great heat distortion temperature, and a terrific molding process.
Generally, both materials belong to a class of materials called the polysulfone family. These materials are known for excellence when it comes to structural stability across various temperature ranges. Nonetheless, even with the similarities they share, they still have a number of differentiating traits.
The application of PSU is best felt in situations that need a very high creep resistance, demand considerable continuous service temperatures, and need top mechanical stiffness and stability. The amorphous and amber material also allows for greater light transmission and hydrolysis resistance. So, they are best suited for such a use case.
Just like Polysulfone, polyethersulfone is a transparent and amorphous yellow plastic. Its inherent properties are similar to PSU as mentioned before. However, PES reigns supreme in those metrics. It offers higher chemical resistance, and impact strength than what you'd get with PSU. On top of that, it is more stable and highly resists radiation and water.
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