Products · PPS
Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is a semi-crystalline high-performance engineering polymer with a unique combination of high heat resistance, chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and inherent flame retardance. Continuous use temperatures of 200-240 °C put PPS in the same class as PEEK and polyimides, but at significantly lower cost. Glass-fiber-reinforced grades (typically 30-40% GF) are the workhorse for automotive under-hood components, LED headlamp reflectors, electronic connectors, and industrial pump parts. Reference grades from DIC (formerly Chevron Phillips, now Toray-owned Ryton), Toray (Torelina), Celanese (Fortron), and domestic Chinese suppliers (Zhejiang NHU, Sichuan Dongfang) 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.
PPS is a polymer of para-substituted phenylene rings linked by sulfide (–S–) bonds. The aromatic backbone with sulfur linkages delivers a unique combination: high thermal stability (no Tg below 200 °C, melting point ~280 °C), inherent flame retardance (no halogen required — the sulfur forms non-volatile crosslinks on combustion), and broad chemical resistance (no known solvent below 200 °C except strong oxidizing acids). The polymer is semi-crystalline, with a high degree of crystallinity achievable in parts when molded with proper cooling. Unfilled PPS is brittle and rarely used; the commercial PPS market is dominated by glass-fiber-reinforced compounds (30%, 40%, 50% GF) and glass-fiber/mineral hybrid compounds for low-warpage applications.
Section 2
Typical property ranges across commercial grades. Test methods are listed in the rightmost column for traceability to public manufacturer data sheets.
The defining property set of PPS is high continuous-use temperature (200-240 °C), inherent flame retardance (UL94 V-0 at 0.8 mm without additives), and broad chemical resistance. Glass-fiber-reinforced grades (40% GF) deliver tensile strength 150-180 MPa, flexural modulus 12-15 GPa, and HDT > 260 °C — values typical of high-performance engineering thermoplastics at a fraction of PEEK cost.
| Property · 性能 | Unfilled PPS | 40% GF PPS | Test Method · 测试方法 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density · 密度 | 1.34 – 1.36 g/cm³ | 1.60 – 1.70 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Tensile Strength · 拉伸强度 | 65 – 85 MPa | 150 – 200 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Modulus · 弯曲模量 | 3.5 – 4.0 GPa | 12 – 16 GPa | ASTM D790 |
| Elongation at Break · 断裂伸长 | 2 – 4 % | 1.5 – 2.5 % | ASTM D638 |
| HDT (1.82 MPa) · 热变形 | 135 – 160 °C | > 260 °C | ASTM D648 |
| Continuous Use Temp · 连续使用温度 | 200 – 220 °C | 220 – 240 °C | UL 746 |
| Flammability · 阻燃 | V-0 (0.8 mm inherent) | V-0 (0.8 mm inherent) | UL94 |
| Chemical Resistance · 耐化学 | Excellent (no solvent < 200°C) | Excellent | ASTM D543 |
Section 3
The major application areas for this polymer family, each illustrated with a brief description of how the material is specified and used.
PPS is a workhorse for engine and transmission components exposed to hot oil, hot air, and long-term thermal cycling. Typical applications: turbocharger air ducts, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) housings, throttle bodies, water pump impellers, electronic throttle control housings. PPS replaces metal in many of these parts, reducing weight and simplifying assembly.
PPS GF compounds are the standard for LED headlamp reflector housings, where the combination of high HDT (allows reflow-solderable LED assembly), inherent flame retardance, high reflectivity after metallization, and low outgassing is required.
PPS is widely used in SMT connectors, IC sockets, and bobbins where reflow soldering (peak 260-280 °C) and long-term high-temperature reliability are required. The low moisture absorption and dimensional stability of PPS are key advantages over PA66 and PPA in precision connector applications.
PPS replaces metal in pump housings, valve bodies, and chemical process equipment where broad chemical resistance and high temperature are required. Common in chemical processing, oil and gas, and semiconductor wet-process equipment.
PPS is increasingly used in lithium battery cell housings (prismatic and cylindrical) and as a binder additive for silicon-anode electrodes where high-temperature stability and chemical resistance are critical. The trend toward larger-format cells and higher energy density favors PPS over PA66 and PP for these applications.
Section 4
Key processing parameters and equipment considerations. Contact our business manager for grade-specific processing recommendations.
| Melt Temperature | 300 – 340 °C; mold temperature 135 – 160 °C for crystallinity |
| Drying | 130 – 150 °C for 3 – 4 hours (moisture < 0.05%) |
PPS is highly corrosive to tooling at processing temperatures — chrome-plated or tool-steel screws and barrels are required. Residual stress can lead to brittle failure in thick sections; design for uniform wall thickness and draft angles. Post-crystallization annealing at 200 °C for 2-4 hours can improve crystallinity and dimensional stability in critical tolerance parts.
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 PPS when the application requires continuous use temperature above 150 °C, broad chemical resistance, inherent flame retardance, and high dimensional stability. For higher temperatures (above 240 °C) or higher mechanical performance, PEEK or polyimide is required — at 3-10x the cost. For lower temperatures (below 150 °C) with good chemical resistance, PP or PA66 is more cost-effective.
Section 6
Reference grades from publicly available manufacturer catalogs. Complete catalog available on request.
| Grade | Manufacturer | Key Properties | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torelina® A604Internal snapshot · original TDS on request | Toray | 40% GF · High flow · Standard | Automotive · Connectors · LED reflectors |
| Ryton® R-4 | DIC (Chevron Phillips legacy) | 40% GF · Industry benchmark | Engine components · Pump housings |
| Ryton® R-4XTInternal snapshot · original TDS on request | DIC | 40% GF · Improved toughness | Thin-wall · Snap-fit · Under-hood |
| NHU-PPS-G40 | Zhejiang NHU (新和成) | 40% GF · Domestic supply | Connector · Industrial · 国产替代 |
| Fortron® 1140L4 | Celanese | 40% GF · High impact | Structural automotive · High-stress parts |
Section 7
Cross-references to industry-specific applications and case studies.