PEI
The Ultimate Answer for Transparent
High-Temperature Performance
Known for its long-term temperature resistance, intrinsic flame retardancy (V-0), high-transparency amber color,
and extremely low thermal expansion, PEI is hailed as the “Transparent Armor for Aerospace and Medical industries.”
170°C
Intrinsic Flame
Dimensional Stability
Transparency
Retardancy
Comparable to Aluminum
Core Material Advantages
The “aerospace-grade glass” of plastics—transparent, high-temperature resistant, flame-retardant, and dimensionally stable.
170°C Continuous
Service Temperature
With a glass transition temperature ($T_g$) up to 217°C, it maintains superior mechanical properties and dimensional stability under extreme temperatures, far exceeding standard engineering plastics.
Amber
Transparency
Inherently amber and transparent, allowing light transmission while maintaining exceptional structural strength. Widely used for sensor windows and infrared transmission components.
Intrinsic V-0
Flame Retardancy
Achieves extremely low smoke emission and toxicity without any added flame retardants. Complies with aviation OSU safety standards.
Dimensional Stability Comparable to Aluminum
Featuring an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and excellent creep resistance, it ensures precision fit even in environments with wide temperature fluctuations.
PEI Properties and Key Characteristics
| Performance Metric | Peak Performance |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.27–1.51 g/cm³ (GF30% Reinforced) |
| Tensile Strength | 100–170 MPa (Reinforced) |
| Continuous Service Temp | 170°C (ULTEM® 1000), 180–200°C (Reinforced) |
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | 217°C |
| Heat Deflection Temp (1.8 MPa) | 200–210°C |
| Flame Retardancy | UL94 V-0 @ 0.41mm, Low smoke, Non-toxic |
| Transparency | Amber, 40–50% Transmittance (Unfilled) |
| Dielectric Strength | 30–33 kV/mm |
| CTE (Thermal Expansion) | 50–55 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (Near Aluminum) |
| Water Absorption | 0.25% (24h) |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 170°C long-term transparent heat resistance | High cost (10–15x of PC) |
| Inherent flame retardancy V-0 (Halogen-free) | High processing temp (350–420°C) |
| Excellent dimensional stability (Low CTE) | Average flowability (Requires high mold temp) |
| Withstands repeated steam sterilization | Poor resistance to strong polar solvents (e.g., DMF) |
| Dual Aerospace/Medical certification | Limited colors (Amber/Black only) |
| Application Scenarios | Core Value |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Interiors | Flame retardancy + Lightweighting + Certification |
| Medical Sterilization | Transparency + Resistant to 134°C steam |
| High-Temp Electronics | 170°C dimensional stability |
| 3D Printing | Aerospace-grade filament |
| Metal Replacement | 50% weight reduction + Insulation |
| Material | Cont. Temp (°C) | Flame Ret. | Transparency | CTE (×10⁻⁶) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | 170 | V-0 | ★★★★☆ | 55 | ★★★★☆ |
| PC | 120 | V-2 | ★★★★★ | 70 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| PSU | 160 | V-0 | ★★★★☆ | 55 | ★★★☆☆ |
| PPSU | 180 | V-0 | ★★★★☆ | 55 | ★★★★☆ |
| PEEK | 250 | V-0 | Opaque | 50 | ★★★★★ |
Industry Applications
Aerospace:
A Balance of Weight Reduction and Safety
PEI is the material of choice for the interiors of the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. Its extremely low Flame, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) performance, combined with significant advantages in weight reduction, leads to its wide use in luggage compartment latches, air conditioning grilles, and electronic housings.
Metal Replacement
Reduces structural weight by 40%
Medical Devices:
Extreme Sterilization Resistance
PEI can withstand over 1,000 autoclaving (high-pressure steam sterilization) cycles without loss of performance. From surgical instrument trays to ventilator masks, its amber transparency is not only aesthetically pleasing but also makes it more convenient for medical staff to perform internal visual inspections.
1000+
Sterilization Cycles
Electronics
5G radomes, connectors, and lightweight laptop housings.
Automotive
Headlight reflectors, oil sensors, and precision gearbox components.
3D Printing
Directly manufacture end-use flight parts with ULTEM 9085 filament.
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