Polyethersulfone

Polysulfone (PSU) is a high-performance thermoplastic widely used in industries that require consistent strength, thermal stability, and reliable performance under demanding operating conditions. As a high temperature plastic material, Polysulfone maintains its mechanical and electrical properties across a broad temperature range, making it a practical choice for applications where conventional plastics may fall short. It is also one of the most trusted engineered plastics for components exposed to hot water, steam, and challenging chemical environments.

A tough, rigid, high-strength transparent thermoplastic, Polysulfone (PSU) maintains its properties over a wide temperature range (-150°F to above 300°F), often replacing polycarbonate when higher temperatures, improved chemical resistance, or autoclavability are required.

 

What Makes Polysulfone an Advanced Engineered Plastic?

Polysulfone (PSU) belongs to a family of sulfur-containing thermoplastics and is closely related to polyethersulfone (PES). This amber-colored, semi-transparent material is an amorphous, high-performance thermoplastic recognized for its excellent mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and low moisture absorption. Reinforced grades improve toughness and dimensional stability even further, although they become opaque as a result.

As one of the industry's trusted engineered plastics, Polysulfone offers properties that support demanding manufacturing and industrial applications, including:

  • High strength and rigidity
  • Excellent dimensional stability
  • Low creep under load
  • High surface temperature resistance
  • Good electrical characteristics
  • Self-extinguishing properties
  • Resistance to greases, many solvents, and chemicals relative to polycarbonate
  • Low moisture absorption for improved long-term performance

Polysulfone may be processed through extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding, making it suitable for a wide variety of fabricated and machined components.

 

Why Is Polysulfone a Preferred High Temperature Plastic Material?

For applications exposed to elevated temperatures, steam, or repeated sterilization, Polysulfone continues to be a dependable material choice. As a high temperature plastic material, it can be used as an alternative to polycarbonate or acrylic where greater heat resistance or exposure to hot water and steam is expected. Its excellent chemical resistance also supports long service life in many industrial environments.

If your application requires material performance without sacrificing dimensional stability, Polysulfone offers an excellent balance of strength, thermal performance, and durability. At Emco Industrial Plastics, we supply Polysulfone materials that meet the performance expectations of industries ranging from manufacturing and food processing to medical and laboratory applications.

Processing and Available Material Options

Food-grade Polysulfone and custom colors are available to meet a range of application requirements. Food-grade Polysulfone complies with FDA, NSF, 3A-Dairy, and USP Class VI standards, making it suitable for regulated environments where material compliance is essential.

Whether you need stock shapes for machining or assistance selecting the right grade, Emco Industrial Plastics offers access to quality Polysulfone materials backed by knowledgeable support. Our team can help identify the material option that aligns with your performance requirements and fabrication needs.

Common Brand Names Available from Emco Industrial Plastics

Emco Industrial Plastics supplies a variety of well-known Polysulfone brands, including Ensifone®, Thermalux®, Udel®, Unifone® PSO, PSU 1000, Sustason® PSU, and Hydex® 6201.

Emco Industrial Plastics does not claim to represent all manufacturers or trade name products listed. This list serves as a guide to typical Polysulfone materials available for purchase. If you need assistance selecting a specific grade or brand, contact an Emco Industrial Plastics representative for product recommendations and material availability.

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At a Glance

Generic Name
Polysulfone, Unfilled

Available In
Sheet, Rod, Tube

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Technical Information

Stock Products Properties Applications Advantages

Stock Products

TypeSizeLengthColor
Sheet .030″ – 4″ TH Standard 24″ x 48″, 48″ x 96″, CTS Amber
Rod 3/16″ – 8″ DIA CUSTOM Amber
Tube 2″ – 14″ ID; 4″ – 15″ OD Standard Amber

Give us your cut-to-size dimensions. We will precision-cut these plastics to your exact size. Additional sizes and colors available upon request.

Properties

Physical PropertiesUnitsASTMResults
Density lb/in³ D792 0.045
Water Absorption, 24 hrs % D570 0.3
Mechanical PropertiesUnitsASTMResults
Tensile Strength @yield psi D638 10200
Tensile Modulus psi D638 360000
Tensile Elongation @Break % D638 30
Flexural Strength psi D790 15000
Flexural Modulus psi D790 400000
Compressive Strength psi D695 13000
Compressive Modulus psi D695 375000
Hardness, Rockwell R D785 M82/R128
IZOD Impact Strength Notched ft-lb/in D256 1.3
IZOD Impact Strength Un-notched ft-lb/in D256 NO BREAK
Thermal PropertiesUnitsASTMResults
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (x 10⁻⁵ in./in./°F) D256 3.1
Heat Deflection Temp at 66 psi °F D648 358
Heat Deflection Temp at 264 psi °F 340
Melting Temperature °F D3418 374
Max Operating Temp °F 300
Thermal Conductivity BTU-in/ft²-hr-°F C177 3.1 x 10⁻⁵
Flammability Rating UL94 HB
Electrical PropertiesUnitsASTMResults
Dielectric Strength V/mil D149 425
Dielectric Constant 1MHz D150 3.14
Dissipation Factor @ 60 Hz 1MHz D150 0.0008
Volume Resistivity, 50% RH ohm-cm D257 5 x 10¹⁶

NOTE: The property values presented above are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control. Contact us for manufacturers’ complete material property datasheets. All values at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.

Applications

  • Sensors and Analytical instrumentation
  • Semiconductor process equipment components
  • Automotive electrical/electronic
  • Electrical Insulators, Connectors and Components
  • Plumbing fittings and Manifolds
  • Medical instrument components
  • Dairy equipment

Advantages

  • Dimensionally stable
  • Autoclavable
  • Impact Resist
  • Excellent Strength and Rigidity
  • Superior Electrical Properties
  • Hydrolysis resistant
  • Radiation stability
  • High chemical resistance
  • Resistant to degradation from hot water and steam
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