PEI (Ultem)
Polyetherimide — high-performance amorphous thermoplastic. Similar properties to PEEK at lower cost but lower impact strength and use temp. Transparent amber color. Tg 217°C, inherent flame resistance (UL94 V-0 at 0.4mm), very low smoke. Hydrolytically stable (2000+ autoclave cycles). Trade name Ultem (SABIC). Used for aerospace interior panels, medical sterilizable devices, electrical insulators, semiconductor handling, and 3D-print build plates.
International equivalents
| Flag | Standard | Country | Grade | Number | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISO | INT | PEI | — | REF | |
| 🇺🇸 | ASTM | USA | ASTM D5205 | — | 100% |
| 🇺🇸 | TRADE | USA | Ultem 1000 (SABIC) | — | 95% |
Sources: ISO 10350, ASTM D5205, SABIC TDS
Chemical composition comparison (wt%)
Side-by-side: PEI (Ultem) (COMPOSITION) (ISO 15103) vs Ultem 1000 (SABIC) (TRADE)
| Element | PEI (Ultem) (COMPOSITION) | Ultem 1000 (SABIC) (TRADE) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Polymer (Polyetherimide) | 99–99.9% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
Injection Molded
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 85–105 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 85–100 | MPa |
| Elongation | 50–60 | % |
| Elastic Modulus | 3–3.3 | GPa |
| Density | ≥ 1.27 | g/cm3 |
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | 215–217 | °C |
| Continuous Use Temp | 170–180 | °C |
| Water Absorption (24h) | 0.2–0.25 | % |
Compatibility verdict
PEI (Ultem) and Ultem 1000 (SABIC): 95% composition match
Close equivalents but NOT identical.
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