Ultem

Ultem is a family of high-performance amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) resins, primarily manufactured by SABIC. It is distinguished by an exceptional combination of properties, making it suitable for demanding applications. Key characteristics include outstanding high-temperature performance with a high glass transition temperature (Tg typically ranging from 217°C to 230°C), high strength, excellent rigidity, and superior dimensional stability even under thermal cycling. It offers broad chemical resistance to a wide array of fluids, including automotive fluids, alcohols, and halogenated hydrocarbons, though it can be attacked by some highly polar solvents. Ultem possesses inherent flame retardancy, achieving a UL94 V-0 rating without the need for flame retardant additives, and exhibits low smoke generation. Its excellent electrical insulating properties are maintained across a wide temperature and frequency range. Furthermore, Ultem boasts exceptional hydrolytic stability, allowing for repeated steam sterilization cycles (autoclavability) without significant degradation of mechanical properties. While the base resin is a pure thermoplastic, it is often compounded with glass fibers (e.g., 10-40% glass fiber) or other fillers to further enhance specific mechanical properties like stiffness, tensile strength, and heat deflection temperature, forming high-performance composites. It is readily melt-processable via injection molding and extrusion. Its surface hardness is good for a plastic, typically measured on the Rockwell R scale, and it exhibits excellent resistance to creep.

25 products feature this material