ULTEM™ Resin

Description

The ULTEM™ resin family of amorphous thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) materials offers outstanding elevated thermal resistance, high strength and stiffness, and broad chemical resistance. ULTEM resins are available in transparent and opaque custom colors, as well as glass filled grades. These materials uniquely balance both mechanical properties and processability, offering design engineers exceptional flexibility and freedom. Also available are ULTEM copolymers which support even higher heat, chemical and elasticity needs. An ISCC+ certified renewable bio-based portfolio has recently been launched, offering sustainability benefits with interchangeable performance.

Benefits

LONG-TERM HEAT RESISTANCE

Excellent stability of physical and mechanical properties at elevated temperatures thanks to high glass transition temperature of 217 °C. Available with relative thermal indices (RTI) up to 180 °C

STRENGTH AND STIFFNESS

Outstanding mechanical performance when compared to other amorphous thermoplastic resins among the available alternatives, with predictable stiffness and strength up to 200 °C. Unfilled, transparent grades are equal in strength to other thermoplastics with opacifying fillers.

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY

Among the most dimensionally stable thermoplastics available, offering predictability over a wide temperature range. Filled grades offer exceptionally high-tolerance dimensional capabilities.

ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS & CRACKING RESISTANCE

Unlike most other amorphous thermoplastics, ULTEM resins retain strength and resist stress cracking when exposed to automotive and aircraft fluids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, and weak aqueous solutions.

FLAMMABILITY, SMOKE GENERATION AND TOXICITY

Inherent flame resistance without additives in most grades - exceptionally difficult to ignite, with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 47%, meeting UL94 V0 specifications in sections as thin as 0.41 mm. Generates extremely low smoke per the NBS smoke evolution test, with products of combustion no more toxic than those of wood.

PROCESSABILITY

Can be extruded, thermoformed, extrusion blow molded and injection molded, and flowability permits long flow lengths down to 0.2mm thick using conventional injection molding equipment.

SUSTAINABILITY

A portfolio of ISCC+ certified renewable bio-based ULTEM™ resins offers sustainability benefits while delivering exactly the same high performance and processability as incumbent ULTEM materials. Using a mass balance approach, for every 100 kg of ULTEM resin produced, SABIC replaces 25.5 kg of fossil-based feedstocks with bio-based materials derived from waste or residue, such as crude tall oil from the wood industry.