PSU. Polysulfone.
High temperature.
Sterilizable.
Polysulfone (PSU) — high-performance amorphous thermoplastic. Excellent heat resistance (170°C), hydrolysis-resistant, sterilizable. Premium medical and food-service applications.
Key principles.
Amorphous
Honey-colored transparent. Density 1.24 g/cm³.
UTS 70 MPa
Stiff, strong. Glass-fiber-filled grades higher.
HDT 175°C
Service temperature 160°C continuous. Withstands repeated steam autoclave.
Excellent
Resists hot water, steam. Major advantage over PC.
All methods
Steam autoclave 135°C × 1000+ cycles. Gamma, EtO, dry heat all OK.
Premium
~$15-25/kg. High-performance plastic price tier.
FAQ
PSU vs PC?
PSU: better heat (175°C vs 130°C), better hydrolysis. PC: clearer, cheaper, similar impact.
PSU vs PEEK?
PSU: cheaper (1/4 of PEEK), easier to process. PEEK: higher temperature (260°C), better chemical, mechanical.
Major applications?
Medical devices (sterilizable), food service (commercial dishwashers), membranes, electronics.
Color?
Natural honey color. Transparent grade gives amber tint. Pigmented grades any color.
FDA / USP?
USP Class VI grades available. FDA listed for food contact at limited temperatures.
Processing?
Higher melt temperatures (320-360°C). Drying critical (150°C × 4 h).