Products · PEI
Polyetherimide (PEI, marketed as SABIC Ultem) is an amorphous high-performance polymer with a unique combination of properties: HDT 200°C at 1.82 MPa (among the highest of any amorphous polymer), inherent flame retardance without halogenated additives, excellent hydrolytic stability for repeated steam sterilization, and broad chemical resistance. PEI is amber-transparent in its natural color, machinable, and dimensionally stable across a wide temperature range. The combination of high heat, inherent flame retardance, and biocompatibility (ISO 10993) makes PEI the workhorse for medical device housings, aerospace interior components, fluid handling manifolds, and high-temperature electronic connectors. Reference grades from SABIC (Ultem 1000, 2200, 1010) cover the full property range.
Section 1
A reference overview of the molecular architecture and the design variables that govern the performance of this polymer family.
PEI is synthesized by the polycondensation of bisphenol A and an aromatic dianhydride (typically 4,4'-bisphenol A dianhydride, BPADA). The polymer chain has alternating ether (–O–) and imide (–CO–N–CO–) linkages connecting aromatic rings. The imide groups give the polymer its exceptional thermal stability and chemical resistance, while the ether linkages and isopropylidene bridges from BPA provide chain flexibility and processability. PEI is fully amorphous (no melting point, only Tg at 215-220°C) and does not crystallize under any practical processing conditions. The amorphous nature is the reason for PEI's excellent dimensional stability and low mold shrinkage.
Section 2
Typical property ranges across commercial grades. Test methods are listed in the rightmost column for traceability to public manufacturer data sheets.
PEI's defining performance is the combination of high HDT (200°C at 1.82 MPa), inherent flame retardance (UL94 V-0 at 0.4 mm without additives), broad chemical resistance, and excellent hydrolytic stability. The amber-transparent natural color and biocompatibility (ISO 10993) are valued in medical applications.
| Property · 性能 | Ultem 1000 (Unfilled) | Ultem 2200 (20% GF) | Test Method · 测试方法 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density · 密度 | 1.27 – 1.30 g/cm³ | 1.40 – 1.45 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Tg · 玻璃化温度 | 215 – 220 °C | 215 – 220 °C | DSC |
| Tensile Strength · 拉伸强度 | 95 – 110 MPa | 130 – 150 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Modulus · 弯曲模量 | 3.0 – 3.5 GPa | 5.5 – 6.5 GPa | ASTM D790 |
| Elongation at Break · 断裂伸长 | 50 – 80 % | 3 – 5 % | ASTM D638 |
| HDT (1.82 MPa) · 热变形 | 195 – 200 °C | 205 – 210 °C | ASTM D648 |
| Flammability · 阻燃 | V-0 (0.4 mm inherent) | V-0 (0.4 mm inherent) | UL94 |
| Water Absorption (24h) · 吸水率 | 0.25 – 0.35 % | 0.20 – 0.30 % | ASTM D570 |
Section 3
The major application areas for this polymer family, each illustrated with a brief description of how the material is specified and used.
PEI is widely used in medical device housings, instrument handles, surgical instrument components, and sterilizable trays. The combination of biocompatibility (ISO 10993), resistance to repeated steam sterilization (autoclave at 134°C), chemical resistance to hospital disinfectants, and inherent flame retardance is unique to PEI in the high-performance amorphous polymer family.
PEI is used in aerospace interior components — seat frames, tray tables, cabin partitions, and air ducts — where the combination of low smoke density, low heat release (OSU 65/65 heat-release standard), inherent flame retardance, and high heat resistance is required. PEI is FAR 25.853 compliant for aircraft interior use.
PEI is used in high-temperature SMT connectors and IC sockets where reflow soldering at 260-280°C peak is required. The high Tg (215°C) ensures dimensional stability during reflow, and the inherent flame retardance is valued in consumer and industrial electronics.
PEI replaces metal in analytical instrument fluid handling manifolds and hot water system components where high temperature, broad chemical resistance, and dimensional stability are required. PEI is rated for continuous hot water exposure at 100°C and resists hydrolysis better than polycarbonate and acrylic.
Section 4
Key processing parameters and equipment considerations. Contact our business manager for grade-specific processing recommendations.
| Melt Temperature | 340 – 380 °C; mold temperature 140 – 180 °C |
| Drying | 150 °C for 4 – 6 hours (moisture < 0.02%) |
PEI requires aggressive drying — moisture above 0.02% causes hydrolysis and severe molecular-weight loss at processing temperatures. Melt temperature should be tightly controlled: below 340°C results in poor flow, above 400°C causes degradation with off-gassing. Chrome-plated tooling is recommended. PEI can be machined readily in sheet and rod stock forms.
Section 5
A summary of when this polymer family is the right choice and what to consider as alternatives. For project-specific grade selection, contact our business manager.
Choose PEI when the application requires amorphous high-performance polymer with high HDT, inherent flame retardance, biocompatibility, or steam-sterilizable medical use. For higher temperature (Tg > 250°C), consider PEEK or polyimide. For lower cost with similar transparency, consider PSU or PES. For lower temperature with flame retardance, consider modified PC.
Section 6
Reference grades from publicly available manufacturer catalogs. Complete catalog available on request.
| Grade | Manufacturer | Key Properties | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultem® 1000 | SABIC | Unfilled · Natural amber · Standard | Medical · Aerospace · Fluid handling |
| Ultem® 1010 | SABIC | Unfilled · Food contact (FDA) · Improved flow | Food contact · Medical · High flow parts |
| Ultem® 2200 | SABIC | 20% GF · High stiffness | Structural · Connector · High stress |
| Ultem® 2300 | SABIC | 30% GF · High HDT | Aerospace · High-temp structural |
Section 7
Cross-references to industry-specific applications and case studies.