Volume 4 - Loctite.ph

Polyetherimide (PEI)ThermoplasticTrade Names• UltemManufacturerGE PlasticsGeneral DescriptionPolyetherimide (PEI) is an amorphous thermoplastic which is based onrepeating aromatic imide and ether units. PEI is known for its highstrength and rigidity, especially under long-term heat exposure. The rigidaromatic imide units provide PEI with its high performance properties atelevated temperatures, while the ether linkages provide it with the chainflexibility necessary to have good melt flow and processability. Currentlythe largest area of growth for PEI is in metal replacement applications,mostly involving the replacement of aluminum and brass automotiveparts. Specialty grades available include glass, mineral, and carbonreinforced, low wear and low friction, improved chemical resistance andPC/PEI blends, as well as commercial aircraft interior and medicallyrated grades. In 2004, the price of PEI ranged approximately from$9.00 to $11.00 per pound at truckload quantities.General PropertiesPolyetherimide is a high performance plastic which is well suited forextreme service environments. At room temperature, its mechanicalproperties exceed those of most thermoplastics, and it displays animpressive retention of these properties at temperatures as high as375°F (191°C). PEI also performs extremely well at elevatedtemperatures. For example, Ultem 1000 has a glass transitiontemperature of 419°F (215°C), heat deflection temperature at 264 psi(1.82 MPa) of 392°F (200°C), and continuous service temperature of338°F (170°C). PEI exhibits excellent impact strength and ductility, butdoes display notch sensitivity when subjected to high stress rates. PEIhas an exceptionally high flame resistance, and when it does burn, itgenerates very low levels of smoke. It is an excellent electricalinsulator, has a low dissipation factor, a high volume resistivity, a higharc resistance, and is extraordinarily free of ionic contaminations. Notonly does PEI have excellent hydrolytic stability, UV stability, andradiation resistance, but it is also extremely well suited for repeatedsteam, hot air, ethylene oxide gas and cold chemical sterilizations. PEI isresistant to a wide range of chemicals including alcohols, hydrocarbons,aqueous detergents and bleaches, strong acids, and mild bases.Typical Properties of Polyetherimide (PEI)American EngineeringProcessing Temperature 600°F to 750°F 316°C to 399°CLinear Mold Shrinkage 0.001 to 0.006 in./in. 0.001 to 0.006 cm/cmMelting Point 400°F to 450°F 204°C to 232°CDensity 78.0 to 93.6 lb./ft. 3 1.25 to 1.50 g/cm 3Tensile Strength, Yield 14.9 to 26.6 lb./in. 2 x 10 3 10.5 to 18.7 kg/cm 2 x 10 2Tensile Strength, Break 12.1 to 25.9 lb./in. 2 x 10 3 8.5 to 18.2 kg/cm 2 x 10 2Elongation, Break 1.5 to 5.3% 1.5 to 5.3%Tensile Modulus 3.3 to 18.0 lb./in. 2 x 10 5 2.3 to 12.7 kg/cm 2 x 10 4Flexural Strength, Yield 19.5 to 44.6 lb./in. 2 x 10 3 13.7 to 31.4 kg/cm 2 x 10 2Flexural Modulus 4.0 to 18.4 lb./in. 2 x 10 5 2.8 to 12.9 kg/cm 2 x 10 4Compressive Strength 20.0 to 26.0 lb./in. 2 x 10 3 14.1 to 18.3 kg/cm 2 x 10 2Izod Notched, R.T. 0.8 to 1.6 ft.-lb./in. 4.1 to 8.7 kg cm/cmHardness R115 - R125 Rockwell R115 - R125 RockwellThermal Conductivity 1.6 to 5.1 BTU-in./hr.-ft. 2 -°F 0.23 to 0.74 W/m-°KLinear ThermalExpansionDeflection Temperature@ 264 psiDeflection Temperature@ 66 psiContinuousService Temperature0.6 to 1.9 in./in.-°F x 10 -5 1.1 to 3.4 cm/cm-°C x10 -5390°F to 420°F 199°C to 216°C400°F to 440°F 204°C to 227°CTypical Applications• Transportation – Under-the-hood temperature sensors,fuel system and transmission components• Electronics – Thin wall connectors, chip carriers,burn-in sockets, printed wiring boards• Medical – Fittings, connectors• Miscellaneous – Computer disks, electrical tapes,flexible circuitry, explosion-proof electrical enclosuresSI300° to 350°F 149°C to 177°CDielectric Strength 480 to 770 V/10 -3 in. 1.9 to 3.0 V/mm x 10 4Dielectric Constant@ 1 MHzDissipation Factor@ 1 MHzWater Absorption,24 hr.3.0 to 3.8 3.0 to 3.80.001 to 0.005 0.001 to 0.0050.12 to 0.25% 0.12 to 0.25%46The Loctite ® Design Guide for Bonding Plastics, Volume 4