PEI

Polyetherimide (PEI) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer based on regular repeating ether and imide linkages. The aromatic imide units provide stiffness and high heat resistance, while the ether linkages allow for good melt flow properties and processability. The plastic exhibits high temperature stability, excellent electrical properties, extremely good flame resistance, and durability under a variety of harsh environmental conditions. As a fully melt processible resin, PEI can be easily processed on conventional injection molding, extrusion or blow molding equipment. In addition, it offers high productivity and the ability to reuse scrap materials. The excellent properties of PEI have made it the first choice for applications requiring high-performance materials.

Alfa Chemistry is a leading global supplier of PEI. We are committed to providing you with different specifications of high-quality PEI to meet your scientific or industrial applications. With our extensive product portfolio, you can find the perfect PEI to drive your project forward.

Performance Characteristics

The main performance characteristics of PEI are described below.

• Excellent Mechanical Properties: PEI has high tensile strength, impact resistance and flexural modulus, and thus can withstand mechanical stress without easily deforming or fracturing.
• Excellent Heat Resistance: PEI retains its integrity and mechanical properties even at high temperatures. At a glass transition temperature of 217°C, PEI's strength exceeds the design limits of conventional thermoplastics.
• Inherent Flame Resistance: PEI has extremely low smoke evolution in the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) smoke chamber test, low flame spread index in the radiant panel test and very high oxygen index (47%) ^[1].
• Outstanding Electrical Properties: PEI has stable electrical properties over a wide range of temperatures.
• Good Dimensional Stability: PEI exhibits excellent dimensional stability, which can maintain its shape and size even under different temperature and humidity conditions.
• Outstanding Chemical Resistance: PEI exhibits outstanding chemical resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons, acids and dilute bases.

Applications

The unique properties of PEI make it widely used in different industries. Its common applications include:

• Electronics: PEI is used for electrical insulation, printed circuit boards (PCBs), connectors and semiconductor components due to its excellent electrical properties.
• Automotive and Aerospace: PEI has good heat resistance, mechanical strength and flame retardancy for use as interior parts, lighting systems, electrical connectors or semi-structural components in automotive and aerospace applications.
• Medical and Healthcare: Due to its durability, sterilizability and chemical resistance, PEI is used in the manufacture of medical devices, including surgical instrument trays, sterilization trays, diagnostic equipment and dental tools.
• Household Products: PEI is used in a variety of household products due to its high performance and design flexibility. These household items include reusable microwaveable bowls, cookware, ovenware and food trays.
• Metal Substitute: PEI can be used as a metal substitute in certain structural applications due to its long-term creep resistance. In addition, PEI is lighter in weight compared to metal and can significantly reduce the weight of parts.

Our Products

Alfa Chemistry provides customers with PEI in different material forms. The specific products are as follows:

PEI Sheets & Rods

PEI Films

PEI Granules & Powders

Reference

1. Serfaty, I. W. Polyetherimide: a versatile, processable thermoplastic. Polyimides: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications. 1984: 149-161.