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PPSU-GF30 GF30

Reinforced grade · default condition

ASTM D6401

GF30 = 30% glass-fiber reinforced, natural, injection-molding grade

Standard structural grade: pick it for stiff, steam-sterilizable molded parts where unfilled PPSU flexes too much.

High cost $$$$

Values for the GF30 condition

Other PPSU-GF30 grades and fills

PPSU-GF30 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at PPSU-GF30.

Compare all 5 grades and fillsHide
Grade · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %Hardness
Glass + PTFE lubricated wear/bearing grade
Choose for sliding, sterilizable bushings and guides where a low friction coefficient is needed with the stiffness of glass fiber.—100286 Shore D
Extruded stock shape (rod / plate) for machining
Choose when the part is machined from semi-finished stock; slightly lower strength and more random fiber orientation than molded parts.—110388 Shore D
Black pigmented / UV-stabilized
Use where sunlight, cosmetic uniformity or light shielding matters; carbon-black pigment masks fiber bloom and slows yellowing.—1222.489 Shore D
GF30DefaultThis page
30% glass-fiber reinforced, natural, injection-molding grade
Standard structural grade: pick it for stiff, steam-sterilizable molded parts where unfilled PPSU flexes too much.—1252.590 Shore D
Medical / sterilizable grade
Pick for reusable surgical and dental hardware needing biocompatibility documentation plus 1000+ autoclave cycles.—1252.589 Shore D

What is PPSU-GF30 GF30?

PPSU-GF30 GF30 is PPSU-GF30 in the GF30 grade — standard structural grade: pick it for stiff, steam-sterilizable molded parts where unfilled PPSU flexes too much. PPSU-GF30 GF30 has a tensile strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi), stronger than 93% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 9 GPa (1.31 Msi). PPSU-GF30 GF30 has a density of 1.56 g/cm³ (0.0564 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 220°C (428 °F).

Advantages

  • Stiff — 9 GPa (1.31 Msi), better than 93% of polymer grades
  • Conducts heat well — 0.35 W/m·K (0.202 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of polymer grades
  • Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.35%, better than 86% of polymer grades
  • High service temperature — 180°C (356 °F), better than 85% of polymer grades

Limitations

  • Heavy — 1.56 g/cm³ (0.0564 lb/in³), worse than 91% of polymer grades
  • Limited ductility — 2.5%, worse than 89% of polymer grades
  • High embodied carbon — 8.5 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 85% of polymer grades
  • Limited formability — 12/100, worse than 83% of polymer grades

PPSU-GF30 GF30 properties

Typical room-temperature values for PPSU-GF30 GF30; 26 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PPSU-GF30 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.

Physical4

PPSU-GF30 GF30 has a density of 1.56 g/cm³ (0.0564 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 220°C (428 °F).

Density1.56 g/cm³0.06 lb/in³
Glass Transition (Tg)220°C428 °F
Water Absorption (24 h)0.3%
Water Absorption (Saturation)0.8%

Mechanical14

PPSU-GF30 GF30 has a tensile strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi), stronger than 93% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 2.5% and the elastic modulus is 9 GPa (1.31 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus9 GPa1.3 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.39
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)125 MPa18.1 ksi
Elongation at Break2.5%
Compressive Strength150 MPa21.8 ksi
Compressive Modulus8 GPa1.2 Msi
Flexural Strength180 MPa26.1 ksi
Flexural Modulus8.3 GPa1.2 Msi
Shear Strength72 MPa10.4 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)3.2 MPa·√m2.9 ksi·√in
Izod Impact, Notched90 J/m1.7 ft·lbf/in
Hardness, Shore D90 Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M98 HRM
Hardness, Rockwell R122 HRR

Thermal11

PPSU-GF30 GF30 is rated for continuous service to 180°C (356 °F). It conducts heat at 0.35 W/m·K (0.202 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 22 µm/m·K (12.2 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity0.35 W/m·K0.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)22 µm/m·K12.2 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)180°C356 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa220°C428 °F
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa214°C417 °F
Vicat Softening Point (B50)224°C435 °F
Flammability (UL 94)V-0 at 1.5 mm
Limiting Oxygen Index40%
Max Service Temperature (short-term)210°C410 °F

Electrical7

PPSU-GF30 GF30 is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 19 kV/mm (482.6 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity1×10¹³ Ω·m3.94×10²⁰ µΩ·in
Dielectric Strength19 kV/mm483 V/mil
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)3.9
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)0.008
Volume Resistivity1×10¹⁵ Ω·cm
Surface Resistivity1×10¹⁵ Ω
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)150 V

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is very good (82/100), better than 56% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.

Corrosion ResistanceVery good82/100
UV / Weathering ResistanceFair35/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryOutstanding to hot water, steam, acids, bases, hydrogen peroxide, hospital detergents and >1000 autoclave cycles; good to alcohols, oils and aqueous salts; attacked or stress-cracked by ketones (MEK, acetone), esters, chlorinated hydrocarbons, DMF/NMP and aromatic solvents.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of PPSU-GF30 GF30 takes about 160 MJ of energy and emits 8.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 85% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)160 MJ/kg68,788 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)8.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content0%

Manufacturability8

PPSU-GF30 GF30's machinability is good (55/100, worse than 64% of polymer grades); weldability fair (40/100); formability not recommended (12/100).

MachinabilityGood55/100
WeldabilityFair40/100
Formability (cold)Not recommended12/100
PolishabilityFair35/100
Mold Shrinkage0.35%
Melt Flow Rate9 g/10 min
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)370°C698 °F
Mold Temperature (typ.)150°C302 °F

Common Calculations4

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated80 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated5.8 MN·m/kg
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated0.2 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated0

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with PPSU-GF30 GF30

Is PPSU-GF30 easy to machine?

Machines cleanly with sharp polycrystalline-diamond or carbide tooling, high speed and light feeds; glass is abrasive so expect fast edge wear, and avoid sharp internal corners because the filled resin is notch-sensitive — anneal near 190 °C to relieve stress before tight-tolerance finishing.

Can PPSU-GF30 be welded?

Ultrasonic, hot-plate and IR welding work but joint strength is limited by the fiber-poor weld line; solvent bonding uses chlorinated/aprotic solvents which can also stress-crack the part, so mechanical fastening or overmolded inserts are usually preferred.

Can PPSU-GF30 be formed, bent or molded?

Injection mold at 350–390 °C melt with 135–165 °C tools, dry to <0.02 % moisture (3–4 h at 150 °C), use generous gates and hardened wear-resistant mold steels; shrinkage is low (0.2–0.45 %) and anisotropic, so anticipate warp in thin ribbed sections.

What surface finishes work on PPSU-GF30?

Accepts pad printing, laser marking and adhesive bonding after plasma or abrasive activation; the fiber-textured surface cannot be polished to optical quality and no plating or anodizing is applicable.

PPSU-GF30 chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
glass fibershort E-glass, sized for sulfone matrix28 – 3230
pigment / processing additivescolorant, release aid; absent in natural transparent-tan grades0 – 20.5
polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) resinbiphenyl-linked polyaryl ether sulfone, amorphous≥ 68 (balance)—

PPSU-GF30 GF30 — frequently asked

What is PPSU-GF30 GF30 used for?

PPSU-GF30 GF30 is typically used for surgical instrument handles, reusable medical trays, plumbing and fluid handling fittings and high-impact structural components. In short: toughest filled sulfone; repeated steam sterilization; hydrolysis-resistant structural grade.

What is the tensile strength of PPSU-GF30 GF30?

PPSU-GF30 GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) — stronger than 93% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.

Is PPSU-GF30 GF30 easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, worse than 64% of polymer grades). Machines cleanly with sharp polycrystalline-diamond or carbide tooling, high speed and light feeds; glass is abrasive so expect fast edge wear, and avoid sharp internal corners because the filled resin is notch-sensitive — anneal near 190 °C to relieve stress before tight-tolerance finishing.

Can PPSU-GF30 GF30 be welded?

With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). Ultrasonic, hot-plate and IR welding work but joint strength is limited by the fiber-poor weld line; solvent bonding uses chlorinated/aprotic solvents which can also stress-crack the part, so mechanical fastening or overmolded inserts are usually preferred.

What surface finishes work on PPSU-GF30 GF30?

Accepts pad printing, laser marking and adhesive bonding after plasma or abrasive activation; the fiber-textured surface cannot be polished to optical quality and no plating or anodizing is applicable.

Can PPSU-GF30 GF30 be formed, bent or molded?

Injection mold at 350–390 °C melt with 135–165 °C tools, dry to <0.02 % moisture (3–4 h at 150 °C), use generous gates and hardened wear-resistant mold steels; shrinkage is low (0.2–0.45 %) and anisotropic, so anticipate warp in thin ribbed sections.

What is the maximum service temperature of PPSU-GF30 GF30?

PPSU-GF30 GF30 is rated for continuous use to about 180°C (356 °F), and briefly to 210°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. Radel PPSU glass-reinforced grade datasheets — Solvay Specialty Polymers (2023)
  2. CAMPUS Plastics — PPSU-GF30 ISO 10350 datasets — CWFG / CAMPUS consortium (2024)
  3. Sultron / Duratron PPSU stock shapes technical data — Ensinger / Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (2023)
  4. Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
  5. ASTM D6394 — Standard Specification for Sulfone Plastics — ASTM (2022)
  6. ISO 10350-1 / ISO 527 / ISO 75 test methods for plastics — ISO (2019)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.