RADEL® R5500 Rod

RADEL® R5500 is polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), the toughest of the amorphous sulfone polymers and the reference material for parts that live in an autoclave. Glass transition is 428°F and heat deflection temperature is 405°F at 264 psi, yet notched Izod impact strength reaches 13 ft-lb/in, an order of magnitude above polysulfone or polyetherimide. Tensile strength is 10,100 psi with a 340,000 psi modulus and 60 percent elongation at break. It is inherently flame retardant at UL 94 V-0, has 360 V/mil dielectric strength, and absorbs 0.37 percent water in 24 hours and 1.1 percent at saturation.

The dominant uses are sterilization cases and trays, surgical instrument handles, implant trials, dental and orthopedic hardware, plus hot-water plumbing manifolds, aerospace interior parts and electrical insulators. The resin is ISO 10993 tested with a Master Access File on record with the FDA, is RoHS compliant, and survives more than 1,000 standard 18-minute steam autoclave cycles at 273°F, along with ETO, gamma to 40 kGy and vaporized hydrogen peroxide. Anneal stock before and after heavy cuts to relieve stress. Like all sulfones it is vulnerable to ketones, esters and chlorinated solvents, and it is not UV stable.