MATERIALS | HIGH TEMPERATURE PLASTICS


Above: Syensqo has raised US production capacity of its Udel polysul- fones by more than 25%


the specification of 30% glass-reinforced Peek XT 920 as the best way to achieve the thermo-me- chanical properties required by the customer. Peek XT technology uses the same ether-to-


ketone ratio as standard Peek, and imparts higher temperature resistance and melt stability during processing. This helps preserve the material’s mechanical properties during high temperature moulding, adding to its performance consistency. KetaSpire Peek XT 920 claims to be the indus-


try’s “first true high-temperature polyetherether ketone”. It exhibits a boost in durable mechanical properties, including tensile modulus and tensile strength, at temperatures up to 175°C. This was essential for Drake’s backup ring, where standard Peek fell short of the required 170°C. With a 20°C higher glass


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transition temperature (Tg) and 45°C higher melt point (Tm) than standard Peek, the material still maintains its lower melt viscosity after shear compared with PEK or


PEKEKK – and so offers better flowability for


Above: Syensqo’s glass-filled KetaSpire Peek XT has helped extend the life of downhole pumps


complex parts in injection moulding. Brian Quance, sales and applications engineer


at Drake Plastics, added: “With KetaSpire Peek XT 920, the legacy of true Peek has been extended to a new level of high temperature resistance.”


Capacity rise At the same time, Syensqo has raised US produc- tion capacity of Udel polysulfones (PSU) polymers at its Marietta, Ohio facility by more than 25%. It says this will help it meet growing demand in critical applications such as life sciences and green hydrogen production. The materials offer high strength and rigidity,


flexible sterilisation options and high resistance to cracking – even at elevated temperatures. They are used in areas such as haemodialysis and medical instruments, as well as playing a role in water purification and green hydrogen production systems. “Since we embarked on this expansion three


22 INJECTION WORLD | March/April 2025


years ago, the trend towards higher performing materials with strong mechanical, thermal and chemical properties has continued to grow,” said Peter Browning, president of speciality polymers at Syensqo. The production increase at the Marietta site complements a recent expansion at the company’s facility in Augusta, Georgia, where components used in these materials are produced.


Critical component Envalior – in collaboration with Ford – recently won an SPE award for its contribution to making a critical component: a re-engineered exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cold tube and diffuser. By replacing stainless steel with Envalior’s Xytron


PPS material, the part weight was reduced by 28% and has high chemical resistance. The EGR cold tube and diffuser can now withstand a highly acidic environment with pH levels of 2.2 and temperatures up to 200°C. The new design also eliminates the need for multiple components, including a gasket, O-ring and fasteners, resulting in a simplified part that directly integrates into the air intake assembly. “This validates our commitment to material


innovation and the collaborative expertise of our team,” said Russ Bloomfield, application develop- ment engineer at Envalior. Other partners in the project were Sogefi – which serves as the Tier 1 supplier for the EGR assembly – and Viking Plastics, which moulds the Xytron EGR tube supplied to Sogefi. Envalior’s portfolio includes engineering plastics


such as PA6, PA66 and PA46, PBT, PPS and PPA. “With this range, we can meet different and demanding material requirements,” said Tim Arping, director of innovation and advanced development at Envalior.


Recycled PPS Polyplastics plans to launch a grade of mechani- cally recycled polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) by the end of the year.


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IMAGE: SYENSQO


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