What is Ultem 2300?
Ultem is a trade name for a series of high-performance polyetherimide (PEI) materials developed by SABIC (formerly General Electric Plastics). Ultem 2300 is a specific grade within the Ultem family, belonging to glass fiber reinforced polyetherimide. The addition of glass fibers enhances the material's mechanical properties, making it suitable for applications requiring high strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance.
Material Type and Chemical Structure
Ultem 2300's base resin is polyetherimide (PEI), a semi-crystalline thermoplastic engineering plastic. Its molecular backbone contains aromatic ether bonds (-O-) and imine bonds (-CO-N-CO-), a structure that endows the material with excellent overall properties. Ultem 2300 is further reinforced with approximately 30% glass fiber, further optimizing its rigidity, creep resistance, and dimensional stability.
PEI Sheet, PEI Rod, and Glassfiber PEI Board
Key Characteristics
Ultem 2300 (Glassfiber Ultem PEI Sheet) combines the intrinsic advantages of PEI Sheet (Polyetherimide Sheet) base resin with the modification effect of glass fiber reinforcement. Its main characteristics are as follows:
1. Excellent Heat Resistance
Glass transition temperature (Tg) approximately 217℃, melting point (Tm) approximately 220℃; Long-term service temperature up to 170℃, with even higher short-term temperature resistance (can withstand environments above 200℃); Heat distortion temperature (HDT, at 1.8MPa) approximately 210℃ (significantly higher than the unreinforced grade).
2. High Strength and High Rigidity
With glass fiber reinforcement, tensile strength is approximately 160-180 MPa (unreinforced grade approximately 85 MPa); Flexural modulus approximately 8-9 GPa (unreinforced grade approximately 3.6 GPa), exhibiting excellent creep resistance, suitable for structural components subjected to long-term loads.
3. Chemical and Radiation Resistance
Resistant to most organic solvents (such as alcohols, hydrocarbons, and oils), dilute acids, and alkalis; Resistant to steam sterilization (can withstand repeated high-pressure steam sterilization, meeting medical-grade requirements); Resistant to gamma-ray radiation (dose up to 10⁹ Gy), suitable for nuclear industry or high-radiation environments.
4. Excellent Electrical Properties
Low dielectric constant (Dk ≈ 3.1-3.3, 1GHz) and dielectric loss (Df ≈ 0.002-0.003, 1GHz), ensuring stable signal transmission at high frequencies; Good arc resistance (≥180s), suitable for high-voltage insulation applications.
5. Flame Retardancy
No halogenated flame retardants are required; it achieves UL94 V-0 rating (0.75mm thickness) on its own, with low smoke emission, meeting environmental protection requirements.
6. Processability
Can be injection molded, extruded, compressed, or machined; has good melt flowability (especially suitable for thin-walled parts); high dimensional stability; low molding shrinkage (approximately 0.1-0.3%, parallel to the flow direction).
Main Application Areas
Glassfiber 2300 Ultem Rod and Sheet, with its "high performance + multi-functionality," is widely used in high-end fields with demanding material requirements:
1. Aerospace
Structural Components: Aircraft interior support frames, connectors, sensor housings, fuel system components;
Advantages: Lightweight (density approximately 1.45 g/cm³), extreme temperature resistance (-55℃ to 170℃ cycling), flame retardant.
2. Healthcare
Surgical Instruments: Reusable autoclaved forceps, clamps, trays;
Medical Equipment: Radiotherapy fixation devices, in vitro diagnostic (IVD) equipment housings, dental instrument assemblies;
Advantages: Chemical sterilization resistance, biocompatibility, no toxic leaching.
3. Electronics & Electrical
High-Frequency Components: Antenna brackets for 5G communication equipment, RF connectors;
Insulating Components: Circuit board supports, relay housings, high-voltage connectors;
Advantages: Low dielectric loss, high-temperature soldering resistance (wave soldering/reflow soldering compliant).
4. Automotive Industry
Engine Peripherals: Sensor housings, ignition coil assemblies, turbocharger system seals;
New Energy Vehicles: Battery Management System (BMS) connectors, motor insulation components;
Advantages: Oil/coolant resistant, creep resistant at high temperatures.
5. Industry and Energy
Chemical Equipment: Pump body components, valve seals, acid and alkali resistant pipe fittings;
Industrial Robots: Joint components, high-temperature resistant cable protective sheaths;
Nuclear Energy: Structural components for radiation environments, cable insulation layers.
Ultem 2300 is a glass fiber reinforced high-performance polyetherimide (PEI) material. Its core advantages include high temperature resistance, high strength, chemical corrosion resistance, and ease of processing. It is primarily used in aerospace, medical, and electronics industries, where extremely high material performance is required. Its comprehensive performance makes it an ideal alternative to metals or other engineering plastics (such as PEEK and PPS), especially excelling in applications requiring lightweight construction, resistance to repeated sterilization, or high-frequency insulation.
Ultem 2300 Rod and Ultem 2300 sheet
