Steam-resistant thermoplastic

Goodfellow Corp. (Berwyn, Pa., U.S.A) has added polyphenylsulphone (PPSu) to its range of polymer materials, in 12.7-mm to 40-mm (0.5-inch to 1.57-inch) diameter rods, for use in molding components for medical devices, hot water fittings and other applications that require superior resistance to steam. The amorphous thermoplastic offers better chemical and impact resistance than either polysulphone or polyetherimide and hydrolysis-resistance superior to that of other amorphous thermoplastics (reportedly outlasting others by 40:1, measured by steam autoclaving cycles to failure). The material also resists common acids and bases, including commercial washing solutions, over a broad temperature range.