Extem UP Thermoplastic Polyimide

SABIC Innovative Plastics' flame-retardant Extem UPthermoplastic polyimide (TPI) resins are extreme high-heat materials thatrecently achieved a UL746B relative temperature index (RTI) rating of 240C byincorporating polyetheretherketone (PEEK) into its Extem resin. This uniqueblend technology opens opportunities for lower-weight, high-temperaturecontinuous use applications such as semiconductor chip trays, connectors forharsh environments and metal replacement in high-heat oil and gas and aerospaceenvironments.

Extem UP resins combine the best features ofsemi-crystalline PEEK, including excellent chemical and wear resistance andhigh flow, with the advantages of a high glass transition temperature amorphousmaterial, including mechanical strength/stiffness, dimension stability andcreep resistance at high temperatures. They meet UL746B requirements at an RTIof 240C, indicating retention of certain mechanical and electrical propertiesat this temperature over a period of 10 years.

SABIC says specific performance highlights are: up tofive times greater flex strength and up to five times higher stiffness thanunfilled PEEK at 200C; and dimensional stability expressed as a coefficient ofthermal expansion (CTE) is up to 30 percent lower than unfilled PEEK. Theseperformance properties allow customers to design parts with greater freedom andefficiency, achieve higher strength and stiffness using thinner walls to reducematerial weight and costs, and provide tighter dimensional control forhigh-precision applications.

Extem UP resins are currently available as unfilledgrades. Glass fiber-, mineral- and carbon-fiber-filled, as well as lubricatedgrades are now under development. The materials are an excellent candidate forconversion processes like injection molding and extrusion. Potentialapplications include semiconductor parts (seals, pick-up systems), electricalcomponents (connectors, wire and cable), industrial parts (bearings, gears,bushings) and transportation composites and connectors.