PPS
Also referred to as Polyphenylene Sulfide
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Also referred to as Polyphenylene Sulfide
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Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic renowned for its exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. Often used in demanding industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics, PPS bridges the gap between conventional polymers and advanced composites, making it ideal for functional parts exposed to extreme conditions.
PPS is a semi-crystalline polymer with a high degree of purity (up to 65%) and thermal stability. Its molecular structure—composed of benzene rings linked by sulfur atoms—confers rigidity, flame retardancy, and resistance to degradation. Key characteristics include:
Thermal Stability: Melting point of 280–290°C, with decomposition above 430–460°C in air. Sustains long-term use at 200–220°C and short-term exposure up to 260°C.
Chemical Resistance: Withstands acids, alkalis, solvents, and fuels, outperforming materials like PA (nylon) and POM.
Dimensional Stability: Low molding shrinkage (0.15–0.3%) and minimal water absorption (0.05%).
PPS demands specialized equipment and precise calibration to harness its properties effectively.
Nozzle: All-metal hotend capable of 300–350°C to handle PPS’s high melting point.
Bed Temperature: Heated bed at 120–140°C for adhesion (PEI or adhesive-coated surfaces preferred).
Enclosure: Maintains ambient temperatures above 70°C to minimize warping and cracking.
Nozzle Temperature: 300–330°C (varies by composite additives).
Print Speed: 30–50 mm/s to ensure layer adhesion.
Retraction: 1–2 mm at 20–30 mm/s to reduce stringing.
Cooling Fan: Disabled or minimal (0–10%) to prevent rapid cooling.
Drying: Preheat filament at 120°C for 4–6 hours to eliminate moisture.
Storage: Keep in airtight containers with desiccant to prevent rehydration.
Warping: Mitigated by enclosed printers, high bed temperatures, and brims/rafts.
Layer Adhesion: Higher nozzle temperatures and slower speeds improve bonding.
Abrasive Composites: Carbon fiber-reinforced PPS (e.g., PPS-CF10) requires hardened steel or ruby nozzles. Not required for non-reinforced blends.
Mechanical Strength: Tensile strength of 90 MPa and Young’s modulus of 3700 MPa, rivaling PEEK in rigidity.
Flame Retardancy: Meets UL94V-0 standards, ideal for electrical enclosures.
Chemical Durability: Resists degradation from oils, fuels, and industrial solvents.
Dimensional Precision: Low shrinkage ensures accurate prints for tight-tolerance components.
Print Complexity: Requires high-temperature printers and enclosed chambers.
Cost: More expensive than PA, ABS, or PETG.
Brittleness: Lower impact strength compared to PA6 or PA12 (28 kJ/m² Charpy impact).
Post-Processing: Limited smoothing options; machining or vapor polishing may be needed.
Annealing: PPS needs to be annealed in order to get to its full strength and heat resistant properties
Tensile Strength
90 MPa
98 MPa
Young’s Modulus
3700 MPa
3738 MPa
Elongation at Break
8%
9.1%
Thermal Stability
Up to 260°C (short-term)
Up to 300°C (short-term)
Cost
Lower
Higher
Chemical Resistance
Superior
Moderate
Aerospace: Brackets, ducting, and engine bay components requiring heat and chemical resistance.
Automotive: Fuel system parts, sensors, and under-hood mounts.
Electronics: Connectors, insulators, and flame-retardant housings.
Industrial: Pump components, seals, and chemical-resistant valves.
Medical: Sterilization trays and non-implantable devices.
PPS-CF (Carbon Fiber): Enhances stiffness and thermal conductivity (e.g., Polymaker PPS-CF10).
PPS-GF (Glass Fiber): Improves dimensional stability for precision components.
PPS-HT: High-temperature variants for extreme environments.
Thermal Performance: Outperforms PA, PBT, and PTFE in heat resistance, suitable for under-hood automotive parts or aerospace components.