Polyether Sulphone Research Paper

Abstract
Properties
Synthesis
Applications
Future
Introduction
Poly (ether sulphone) also called PES is an amorphous thermoplastic that has properties comparable to polycarbonates. However, polyether sulphones are more heat resistant and have other properties that make them suitable for a variety of high temperature applications especially those requiring service in excess of 200 oC.
The polyether sulphones were first made by the Union Carbide Corporation, a subsidiary of Dow Chemicals, in 1965. The material made was registered under the name “Udel®”. Nowadays, various iterations have been made such as Veradel®, Acudel® and Radel®. They were introduced exclusively for high temperature-high strength applications and on account of their expensive

Physically, Poly (ether sulphone) appears as a semitransparent material (with transparency in the range of 76%) on account of its being amorphous. Being amorphous also gives it a higher dimensional stability as it does not shrink too much upon cooling.
Poly (ether sulphone) is highly resistant to attack my chemical agents including but not limited to alkalis, acids and various concentrated electrolytes. Poly (ether sulphone) is stable under the pH range of 2 – 14. In addition, Poly (ether sulphone) is stable in oxidizing agents and various non-polar solvents. However, it does react with low-polarity organic solvents like chlorinated/aromatic hydrocarbons and ketones like methylpyrrolidone.
Due to its stiff and yet comparatively flexible structure, it relatively maintains its mechanical and chemical properties from -100 oC to 200 oC. Poly (ether sulphone) is highly resistant to mechanical deformation including complex forces at high temperatures under continuous loading as well as creep deformation under temperatures upto 150 oC. Hence it is resistant to hydrolysis despite being used continuously in steam and boiling

The table below shows how the additives affect the mechanical properties. The number of additives are numerous and show the versatility of Poly (ether sulphone) to incorporate new materials in making composites. The different additives are added as per requirement of application. For example, addition of Graphene oxide to improve the thermal and mechanical properties.
The mechanical properties effect is shown through the comparison of Poly (ether sulphone) with 30% Carbon fibre and with 40% Glass fibre.

Processing
Poly (ether sulphone) processing is carried out by using:
1. Blow molding.
2. Extrusion.
3. Injection Molding.
4. Hot Press molding.
Factors affecting Quality
There are various factors affecting the fabrication of Poly (ether sulphone). Firstly, the mold material plays an important role. The mold must sustain the high temperature while Poly (ether sulphone) cools. For this the mold should be made from high strength preferably of hardened steel. Secondly, for better mechanical properties it is advised that the molded items be annealed. Thirdly, mold release agents if required should only be made from fluorine based compounds to avoid stress cracks.
Applications
Poly (ether sulphone) has a variety of applications in a vast array of fields. The most successful applications are mentioned below.
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