Polyphenylene Sulfide, which we use to call PPS, is a high-performance, engineering thermoplastic characterized by an unusual combination of extraordinary properties. These properties range from high temperature performance to dimensional stability and excellent electrical insulation and chemical properties.
The first commercial process for Polyphenylene Sulfide was developed by Edmonds and Hill, while working at Philips Petroleum under the brand name Ryton. Today, all commercial processes use improved versions of this method. Polyphenylene Sulfide is produced by reaction of sodium sulphide and dichlorobenzene in a polar solvent such as N-methylpyrrolidone and at higher temperature (at about 250° C).
Polyphenylene sulphide is a semi crystalline, high temperature thermoplastic. Due to its chemical structure, PPS is a very resistant polymer with high mechanical strength and rigidity.
It is an ideal material of choice to produce complex parts with very tight tolerances. The polymer exhibits an excellent dimensional stability even when used under high temperature and high humidity conditions. In fact it shows a very low water absorption and low thermal dilatation.
It has excellent electrical insulation properties. Both the high-volume resistivity and insulation resistance are retained after exposure to high-humidity environments.
As we said, Polyphenylene Sulfide is a high-temperature specialty polymer. It can be resistant to 260°C for short time and used below 200°C for a long time. Most of the Polyphenylene Sulfide compounds pass UL94 V-0 standard without adding flame retardant.
This material has high strength, high rigidity and low degradation characteristics even in high temperature conditions. It also shows excellent fatigue endurance and creep resistance.
Polyphenylene Sulfide has good chemical resistance. If cured, it is unaffected by alcohols, ketones, chlorinated aliphatic compounds, esters, liquid ammonia etc. however, it tends to be affected by dilute HCl and nitric acids as well as conc. sulphuric acid. It is insensitive to moisture and has good weatherability.
Polyphenylene Sulfide has however, a lower elongation to break, a higher cost and is rather brittle.
Polyphenylene sulphide is largely available in different grades and usually developed for injection moulding. Semi-finished products, such as rods and plates, are available too with different kind of additives, to improve the main characteristics. We can actually supply:
Thanks to the uniformly dispersed internal lubricant, PPS GF SL exhibits an excellent wear resistance and a low coefficient of friction. It overcomes the disadvantages of virgin PPS caused by a high coefficient of friction and of a glass fiber reinforced Polyphenylene Sulfide which causes premature wear of the counterface in moving-part applications.
Polyphenylene Sulfide is largely used in medical equipment and fluid controls. In some case and by certain producers it can certified NSF and KTW for potable water. Moreover, it can be certified according FDA.
Polyphenylene sulphide is usually available, upon request, in semi-finished products, such as rods and plates. Most famous trade name are:
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