PES

Sintered, Microporous

Polyethersulfone, abbreviated both as PES and PESU, is a high-temperature engineering thermoplastic that can withstand exposure to high, prolonged temperatures in both air and water. Because PES is amorphous, mold shrinkage is low and the polymer is suitable for applications requiring close tolerances and little dimensional change over a wide temperature range. Numerous beneficial properties permit PES to be molded into high-quality components and high-load, mass-produced articles.

Certain PES products are hydrophilic, low protein binding, and stable in alkaline pH, which suits them for biological samples, microbiological fluid applications and other uses in the life sciences field. PES is also used in seals, surgical lighting fixtures, and lab filters. Additionally, it may also be used as packing for absorption and distillation columns, and as filtration material for filter housings and exhaust scrubbers.

+ Key Strengths:  

PES offers high mechanical strength and rigidity, and relatively low notch sensitivity. It has good chemical compatibility, electrical insulating properties, and hydrolysis resistance. Additionally, it is inherently flame retardant and resistant to thermal aging. PES is often selected for use in tight-tolerance applications that call for little to no dimensional change within a wide range of temperatures. Virgin PES is translucent and has a yellowish brown transparent appearance.

- Key Drawbacks:

PES is more expensive than many thermoplastics, requires high process temperatures, and is not particularly resistant to certain acids, halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones and alcohols.