Engineering plastics are strong polymer materials. They perform well and are used in many areas. Ultra-high temperature resistant engineering plastics have gained attention for their great heat resistance. Do you know these six ultra-high temperature resistant engineering plastics?
Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is a crystalline polymer with outstanding thermal and chemical stability. It maintains stable performance in high-temperature environments exceeding 200°C for extended periods and demonstrates excellent mechanical strength and electrical insulation properties.
PPS is widely used in electronics, automotive, and aerospace industries. In electronics, it serves in connectors, switches, and relays, while automotive applications include engine peripherals and fuel system components. For aerospace, PPS is critical for manufacturing high-temperature structural and functional parts.
The exceptional performance of PPS arises from its unique molecular architecture, characterized by abundant benzene rings and sulfur atoms. These structural features enhance rigidity, melting point, and mechanical strength.
PPS exhibits remarkable resistance to acids, alkalis, and salts, but its brittleness and complex processing requirements limit broader applications.
To address these limitations, modification strategies such as toughening agents and advanced processing technologies are employed. These enhancements optimize its usability in demanding industrial environments.
High temperature resistant engineering plastics – Polyimide (PI)
Polyimide is a polymer with excellent high temperature resistance. It lasts long in high temperatures above 300℃. It can even handle up to 500℃ for short periods. PI resists high temperatures. It also has great mechanical properties, electrical insulation, and chemical corrosion resistance. It is widely used in aerospace, electronics, chemical and other fields.
In aerospace, PI is used to make high-temperature parts, thermal insulation, and seals. In electronics, it helps create printed circuit boards and packaging. In chemicals, PI is used for corrosion-resistant pipes and containers.
The high performance of PI comes from its unique molecular structure. The imide group in the chain resists high temperatures and chemical corrosion very well. PI can adjust its performance using various synthesis and modification methods. This helps meet the needs of different fields.
PI has many great properties, but it also has some downsides. These include high costs and tough processing. This limits its large-scale application in some fields. As technology advances and costs drop, the use of PI will expand more and more.
High temperature resistant engineering plastics – Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
Polyetheretherketone is a high-performance thermoplastic with extremely high temperature resistance and mechanical strength. Its continuous use temperature can reach 260℃, and its instantaneous use temperature can even exceed 300℃. PEEK also has good chemical corrosion resistance, wear resistance and electrical insulation properties.
PEEK is vital in several fields. In medicine, it helps make artificial bones, joints, and medical devices. In aerospace, it’s used for aircraft parts. In the automotive industry, it manufactures high-performance components. PEEK performs excellently, making it a great metal substitute. It helps reduce weight and boosts the performance and reliability of components.
The preparation process of PEEK is relatively complex and the cost is relatively high. As technology improves and production grows, costs are likely to go down over time. Researchers are always looking for new ways to modify PEEK and apply it in different fields. This helps maximize its advantages.
Polybenzimidazole (PBI)
Polybenzimidazole is an ultra-high temperature resistant engineering plastic with special properties. PBI stays stable even at high temperatures. It can last a long time at about 370°C. PBI is also very stable in heat, has strong mechanical strength, and resists chemical corrosion.
PBI works great in high temperatures and tough chemical settings. For example, PBI is used in some special chemical equipment for key parts. It’s also used in high-temperature fuel cells to make important components.
PBI is difficult to synthesize, which also leads to its high price. But its unique properties make it essential in some fields that need very high performance.
To enhance PBI’s benefits, researchers are exploring new ways to apply and modify it. This aims to boost performance, cut costs, and widen its use.
Polyarylsulfone (PASF)
Polyarylsulfone is an engineering plastic with excellent high temperature resistance and mechanical properties. Its long-term use temperature can hit around 200℃. It also offers strong chemical corrosion resistance and good dimensional stability.
PASF is useful in electronics, cars, and aerospace. In electronics, it makes high-temperature insulation and structural parts. In cars, it’s used for engine parts. PASF’s strong performance makes it a key engineering plastic. It offers reliable solutions for high-heat and tough conditions.
However, PASF also faces some challenges, such as high cost and difficult processing. To promote and apply it better, we need to optimize the production process and lower costs. We must keep innovating technology and expanding applications. This way, we can fully harness its advantages and potential.
Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)
The Chinese name of LCP is liquid crystal compound. Liquid crystal is a substance. It has the flow of a liquid and the organized structure of crystal molecules when melted.
LCP has excellent mechanical properties. The main feature is that when the wall gets thinner, its relative strength goes up. LCP has good thermal properties and the continuous use temperature can reach 200℃-300℃.
LCP has a low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss. So, it is used in electronics like connectors, slots, switches, brackets, and sensors. The most widely studied application is the application of mobile phone 5G antennas.
These six high-temperature resistant engineering plastics each have unique traits. They are crucial in various fields. As science and technology advance, demand for applications grows. This will open up more opportunities and support the development of many industries.