Polysulfone resins

(materials) A thermoplastic polymer containing the sulfone linkage (O&dbnd;S&dbnd;O); these resins have exceptional high-temperature, low-creep, and arc-resistance properties, and are self-extinguishing.

Polymers containing sulfone groups (SO₂) in the main chain, along with a variety of aromatic or aliphatic constituents. Polysulfones based on aromatic backbones constitute a useful class of engineering plastics, owing to their high strength, stiffness, and toughness together with high thermal and oxidative stability, low creep, transparency, and the ability to be processed by standard techniques for thermoplastics. The aromatic structural elements and the presence of sulfone groups are responsible for the resistance to heat and oxidation; ether and isopropylidene groups contribute some chain flexibility. Aromatic polysulfones can be used over wide temperature ranges. The high-temperature performance of poly(ethersulfones) to 200°C (390°F) is surpassed by few other polymers.

Because of the combination of properties discussed, aromatic polysulfone resins find many applications in electronic and automotive parts, medical instrumentation subject to sterilization, chemical and food processing equipment, and various plumbing and home appliance items. Coating formulations are also available, as well as grades reinforced with glass beads or fibers. Aliphatic polysulfones are less stable, for example, to hydrolysis. However, they have potential use in biomedical applications such as artificial membranes to remove carbon dioxide and perfuse with oxygen. See also Copolymer; Heterocyclic polymer; Organosulfur compound.