PPSU-Solvay Radel R-5000
Achieving virtually unbreakable shatter resistance alongside continuous steam-sterilization stability up to 205°C requires an elite molecular backbone, which Syensqo’s Radel R-5000 (formerly Solvay) delivers through its unreinforced, high-purity polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) matrix. Boasting a density of 1.29 g/cm³ and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 220°C, this amorphous engineering polymer withstands over 1,000 autoclave cycles without micro-cracking or loss of high-gloss amber transparency. Jucheng Precision, under ISO 13485 and IATF 16949 certified frameworks, specializes in micro-molding Radel R-5000. Operating dedicated ISO Class 7/8 cleanrooms, we eliminate particulate contamination, delivering high-purity medical and infant feeding components verified by Zeiss CMM.
Radel R-5000 Extreme Toughness & Regulatory Compliance Profile
Radel® R-5000 is an unreinforced amorphous Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) resin, certified to deliver outstanding impact strength, continuous hydrolytic stability, and excellent chemical resistance under ISO/ASTM standards:
| Surgical Regulatory Standard | Radel R-5000 Certification Spec | Implication for MedTech & Infant Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Shatter Resistance | Notched Izod Impact 530 – 690 J/m | Provides virtually indestructible physical toughness, preventing brittle crack propagation or breakage under severe drops. |
| Biocompatibility | ISO 10993 & USP Class VI Compliant | Extensively tested to prove zero toxicity and complete biological safety for short-term tissue contact and baby food pathways. |
| Autoclave Hydrolysis Life | 1,000+ autoclave steam cycles limit | Withstands repeated steam-sterilization at 134°C without cracking, structural warping, or loss of high-gloss amber transparency. |
Clinical & Fluid Process Configurations for Radel R-5000
With standard melt viscosity and high thermal stability, Radel R-5000 processes consistently inside high-heat systems:
| Application Category | Process Compatibility & Operational Details |
|---|---|
| Autoclavable Medical Trays | Excellent. Molded within our ISO Class 7/8 cleanrooms to produce high-end surgical sterilization trays, medical cases, and brackets. |
| High-Safety Infant Feeding Bottles | Excellent. Withstands aggressive cleaning detergents and repeated boiling. Ideal for high-grade infant bottles and food containers. |
| Critical Plumbing Manifolds | Excellent. Low linear thermal expansion and standard easy-release characteristics allow automatic, high-efficiency ejection. |
Molding Analysis: Radel R-5000 Tooling & Thermal Processing Guide
Molding an amorphous high-performance resin like Radel R-5000 requires strict thermal boundaries and low-stress mold setups to prevent stress-cracking:
Amorphous Isotropic Shrinkage Control
Being an amorphous copolymer, Radel R-5000 exhibits low and highly uniform shrinkage (0.60% to 0.70%). We use our 5-axis CNC machines to cut precise mold cavities and balance cooling paths, ensuring zero warping and zero dimension defects on Zeiss CMM verification.
High Melt Temperature Profiling
Melting requires specialized machines with ceramic heater bands. Processing barrel temperatures are strictly managed between 340°C and 390°C (644°F to 734°F) to ensure homogeneous flow. Exceeding 400°C can result in chemical chain fracturing and polymer degradation.
Pressurized Oil Mold Temperature Control
Pressurized oil heaters are utilized to maintain mold temperatures at 140°C–180°C (284°F to 356°F). Maintaining high mold temperatures is critical to minimize molded-in stress, optimize surface gloss, and completely prevent weld-line stress cracking near intricate snap-fits.
Desiccant Pre-Drying Protocol
PPSU is highly hygroscopic. Moisture causes cosmetic splay, bubbles, and loss of transparent optical quality. We dry raw material in desiccant hopper dryers at 150°C (302°F) for 4 hours to keep moisture levels below 0.02% before molding, protecting dynamic mechanical tensile bonds.
Key Application Fields for PPSU-Solvay Radel R-5000
- Medical & Dental Technology (ISO 13485): Autoclavable surgical sterilization cases, implant trays, dental trial guides, anesthesia tools, and dialyzer housings.
- Baby Care & Food Service: Premium infant feeding bottles, commercial food-service steam pans, dairy equipment parts, and warm-fluid connectors.
- Automotive & Public Infrastructure (IATF 16949): High-voltage EV battery isolators, sensor housings, headlight reflectors, and high-heat water fittings.
Properties
| Density | 1.29 g/cm³ |
| Melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR) (365°C/5.0kg) | 14.0 - 20.0 g/10 min |
| Tensile Modulus | 2,300 MPa |
| Tensile Strength at Yield | 70 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation at Break | 60 - 120 % |
| Flexural Modulus | 2,410 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | 91 MPa |
| Izod Notched Impact Strength (23°C) | 530 - 690 J/m |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | 220 °C |
| Vicat Softening Point | 218 °C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT @ 1.80 MPa) | 207 °C |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage | 0.60 - 0.70 % |
| Dielectric Strength | 18 kV/mm |
| Volume Resistivity | 1.0E+16 Ohm-cm |
| Maximum Part Size (Cleanroom limit) | 600 x 400 mm |
| Minimum Part Size | 1 x 1 mm |