With this comprehensive guide, you will learn what PPS is, how it is manufactured, the different types, and how to use it.
What is polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)?
Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is a type of plastic whose structure consists of repeating units linked by sulfur atoms. C6H4Sn is its chemical formula. In addition to its high melting point, PPS is highly resistant to chemicals.
Scientists Hill and Reams created PPS in 1967 by reacting sodium sulfide with p-dichlorobenzene. The new material showed impressive properties, leading to its use in many industries.
What are the main types of PPS?
There are several types of polyphenylene sulfide, each with its own unique properties.
The main types of PPS include:
- Linear PPS: This type of PPS is composed of linear chains of repeating phenylene sulfide units.
- Branched PPS: Branched PPS contains side chains branching off the main polymer backbone.
- Cross-linked PPS: Cross-linked PPS is a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded polymer chains.
Choose different types of PPS with varying properties based on your specific application needs.
What are the Properties of Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)?
Mechanical Properties: PPS exhibits low degradation characteristics, high rigidity, and high strength at elevated temperatures. It also has great creep resistance and fatigue endurance. PPS is rather brittle, more expensive, and has a smaller elongation to break.
Dimensional Stability: PPS is the perfect material to create complex components with highly precise tolerances. The polymer shows outstanding dimensional stability, even in highly humid and hot environments.
Electrical Properties: PPS exhibits exceptional electrical insulation properties. High volume resistivity and insulation resistance hold true even in highly humid surroundings.
Thermal Properties and Fire Resistance: PPS is a high-temperature specialty polymer. Without using flame retardant, most of the PPS compounds pass the UL94V-0 standard. PPS can be utilized below 200 °C over lengthy periods and is resistant for a brief period at 260 °C.
Chemical Resistance: Alcohols, ketones, chlorinated aliphatic compounds, esters, liquid ammonia, and other chemicals have no effect on it once it has been cured.
Applications of PPS
Polyphenylene sulfide’s unique properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries.
automotive components:
Parts in the fuel system, water pumps, and transmission gear.
High mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability make PPS perfect for the demanding settings of automotive use.
Electronics and Electrical Systems:
Components include switches, sockets, connectors, and circuit board parts. Great heat resistance and strong electrical insulation qualities guarantee the dependable operation of electronic equipment.
Industrial equipment:
Parts included are compressor components, valves, and pump houses.PPS is ideal for demanding industrial uses because of its durability, chemical resistance, and high temperature tolerance.
Aeronautical:
Components include structural elements, insulating materials, and aircraft interiors. PPS satisfies the strict criteria of the aircraft sector and has great thermal and flame resistance. It is lightweight but sturdy.
Domestic Appliances:
Parts for a hair dryer, iron soleplate, and microwave component list. High heat resistance and dimensional stability guarantee the long-term functioning of home appliances.
Medical Tools:
Surgical tools, dental tools, and medical device housings. PPS is perfect for medical uses because of its chemical resistance and capacity to survive sterilizing procedures.