Polyethersulfone (PES) is a high temperature amorphous thermoplastic offering a superior combination of better chemical resistance and higher dry heat capability than polysulfone (Udel®) or polyetherimide (Ultem®).
Radel® A PolyEtherSulfone or PES (also known as PolyArylEtherSulfone or PAES) provides a greater margin of performance in such areas as toughness in comparison with other plastics. High resistance to heat and combustibility, low smoke emission, and transparency are the combination of properties possessed by components made from PES. These, coupled with light weight, good impact resistance, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance, make PES useful in the electrical/electronics, aerospace/aircraft, automotive, and mass transit industries.
Radel® A is FDA approved and NSF and UL listed. It is available in amber transparent and opaque colors. Glass-fiber reinforced polyethersulfone grades are also available. The addition of glass fibers increases the rigidity, tensile strength, creep resistance, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance of the material. Glass-filled PES is opaque, grayish in color.
Radel® R PolyArylEtherSulfone or PAES (also known as Polyphenylsulfone or PPSU) offers superior hydrolysis resistance when compared to other amorphous thermoplastics as measured by steam autoclaving cycles to failure. In fact, Radel® R has virtually unlimited steam sterilizability. This makes it an excellent choice for medical devices. It also resists common acids and bases - including commercial washing solutions - over a broad temperature range.
Radel® R is available in amber (translucent), natural (bone white), and custom colors. It is commonly used in sterilization trays, dental and surgical instrument handles, orthopedic implant trials and in fluid handling coupling and fitting applications. Radel® R is FDA, USDA, and USP Class VI compliant.