Polyetherimide (PEI) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Key properties include:
1. **High Thermal Stability**: PEI can withstand continuous use temperatures up to 170°C (338°F) and has a glass transition temperature of around 217°C (423°F).
2. **Mechanical Strength**: It exhibits high tensile strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability, making it suitable for demanding applications.
3. **Flame Resistance**: PEI is inherently flame retardant and self-extinguishing, with a UL94 V-0 rating, making it ideal for electrical and electronic applications.
4. **Chemical Resistance**: It is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, and acids, although it may be susceptible to strong bases and some solvents.
5. **Electrical Insulation**: PEI has excellent dielectric properties, making it an effective insulator in electrical and electronic components.
6. **Transparency**: It is naturally amber and transparent, allowing for applications where visibility is important.
7. **Low Smoke Emission**: In case of combustion, PEI produces low smoke, which is crucial for safety in confined spaces.
8. **Hydrolytic Stability**: It maintains its properties even after prolonged exposure to steam and hot water, making it suitable for medical and food processing applications.
9. **Processability**: PEI can be processed using standard thermoplastic methods such as injection molding and extrusion, although it requires high processing temperatures.
10. **Creep Resistance**: It exhibits excellent resistance to deformation under mechanical stress over time.
These properties make PEI suitable for applications in aerospace, automotive, medical devices, electronics, and telecommunications.