Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) is an amorphous, heat-resistant, and transparent high-performance thermoplastic produced by the nucleophilic aromatic substitution of difluorodiphenyl sulfone and the sodium salt of 4,4-dyhydroxybyphenyl with sodium fluoride elimination. PPSU is the most effective polysulfone. It is noted for its great toughness, flexural and tensile strength, remarkable hydrolytic stability, and chemical and heat resistance. It has higher mechanical qualities when compared to the two other polyethersulfones, PSU and PES; however, it is also more costly and hence less extensively utilized.
The global polyphenylsulfone market is segmented on the basis of form and application. On the basis of form, the market is further divided into sheets and rods. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into pipe fitting and plumbing, medical, aerospace, automotive, and others.
Industry Demand
According to OMR Research, the global PPSU market’s demand is increasing due to various distinct factors. The key market driver is its wide variety of uses in different industries. For instance, due to its outstanding chemical resistance, PPSU is frequently an ideal choice for components exposed to high temperatures and corrosive environments. It is also an excellent electrical insulator and aids in the formation of several insulating layers for various things. It is mostly utilized as a metal replacement. It is capable of withstanding high temperatures (up to 260°C). PPSU is also resistant to severe disinfectants and chemicals, making it perfect for use in hospitals. Furthermore, PPSU filaments and films are employed in the assembly of reusable plastic face shields. This contribution to helping safeguard, improve, and sustain living circumstances has become more apparent to the medical business. It is also used for making sterilizable goods for health care and nursing. All of these qualities combine to make PPSU an excellent material of choice for medical-grade applications over the projection period. Other applications of PPSU include pipe fittings and battery containers, and PPSU is also utilized in the automotive and aerospace sectors for applications requiring higher thermal and mechanical qualities than standard resins.
Recent Developments
Key companies in the PPSU market include Aetna Plastics Corp., Bay Plastics Ltd., Biesterfeld AG, Cope Plastics, Inc., Ensigner, Inc., Evonik Industries AG, Nupi Industrie Italiane S.p.A., Polyclean Technologies, Inc., Polymer Dynamix, Quadrant EPP USA, Inc., Rochling Group, RTP Co., Solvay SA, Stratasys Ltd., UJU New Materials Co., Ltd., and others. These companies are accompanying the market’s growth through several mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and investment activities. Some recent developments in the market include-
• In September 2022, TECE, a sanitary technology producer, introduced the TECElogo-Ax pipe system, which uses an axially pressed sliding sleeve technique that does not require calibration, expansion, or O-rings. The manufacturer excludes tool-dependent processing mistakes. TECElogo-Ax fittings are manufactured from lead-free silicon bronze and are available with or without a thread. They are also available without a thread in the high-performance polymer PPSU.
• In June 2022, 3A Composites Core Materials agreed to purchase Solvay's TegraCore polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) thermoplastic resin-based foam that will be added to the Airex TegraCore portfolio. Both firms have also agreed to continue working together on Airex TegraCore development. Airex TegraCore foam has fire-retardant qualities for complicated forms in harsh environments.
• In April 2022, Avient exhibited its new biocompatible colorants at the Medical Device & Manufacturing West trade show in Anaheim, California. Colorant Chromatics Transcend Premier Healthcare Colorants are designed to provide ultra-high heat resistance and performance in medical applications and are available in a variety of vibrant hues. Transcend Premier Healthcare Colorants are available in PPSU resin, which can survive 1,000 autoclave cycles and high heat sterilization up to 150°C. These resins are also dimensionally stable and chemically resistant to the effects of aggressive cleaning agents.
• In 2022, Solvay gained a well-recognized standard for bio-based and recycled materials called ISCC-PLUS certification for its Augusta, Georgia, site. The plant is presently producing an ISCC-PLUS compatible sulfone monomer, which will be utilized to make Udel PSU ReCycle MB and Radel PPSU ReCycle MB sulfone polymers.
• In March 2021, BASF enhanced its PPSU Ultrason P range to include the ability to create high-quality bottles using all three industry-standard processing methods. The two PPSU grades — Ultrason P 2010 and P 3010 — can be utilized in extrusion blow molding, injection stretch blow molding, and injection molding to create safe, durable, and chemically resistant bottles for adults and newborns. The bottles can be made in a variety of patterns, shapes, and colors.