Polyetherimide

Polyetherimide
Names
	IUPAC name benzene-1,3-diamine; 5-[4-[2-[4-[(1,3-dioxo-2-benzofuran-5-yl)oxy]phenyl]propan-2-yl]phenoxy]-2-benzofuran-1,3-dione
	Other names PEI, Ultem
Identifiers
CAS Number	61128-46-9 ;
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image;
ChemSpider	151672 ;
ECHA InfoCard	100.126.800
PubChem CID	505862236;
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID90976644 ;
	SMILES CC(C)(c1ccc(Oc2ccc3c(c2)C(=O)OC3=O)cc1)c1ccc(Oc2ccc3c(c2)C(=O)OC3=O)cc1.Nc1cccc(N)c1;
Properties
Chemical formula	(C37H24O6N2)n
Molar mass	Variable
Appearance	Amber-to-transparent solid
Density	1.27 g/cm3
	Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). verify (what is ?) Infobox references

Polyetherimide (PEI; branded as Ultem^[1]) is an amorphous, amber-to-transparent thermoplastic with characteristics similar to the related plastic PEEK. When comparing PEI to PEEK, the former is cheaper but has lower impact strength and a tighter temperature range.^[2]

PEI plastics were first introduced into the market by General Electric (GE) in 1982 under the trade name Ultem.^[3]

Due to its adhesive properties and chemical stability it became a popular bed material for FFF 3D printers.

Structure

The molecular formula of the PEI repeating unit is C₃₇H₂₄O₆N₂ and the molecular weight is 592.61 g/mol.^[4] It contains phthalimide and bisphenol A sub-units.

Properties

The glass transition temperature of PEI is 217 °C (422 °F). Its amorphous density at 25 °C is 1.27 g/cm³(.046 lb/in³). It is prone to stress cracking in chlorinated solvents. Polyetherimide is able to resist high temperatures while maintaining stable electrical properties over a wide range of frequencies. This high strength material offers excellent chemical resistance and ductile properties suitable for various applications, even those involving steam exposure.^[5]

Production

PEIs are manufactured by the imidization reaction of a flexible dianhydride and m-Phenylenediamine.^[6]^[7]

References

^ "Ultem". Curbell Plastics. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
^ http://www.mcmaster.com/#ultem/=otzvqt Referenced Oct 7, 2013
^ "What Is Polyetherimide (PEI)?". Retrieved 2024-10-15.
^ Scott, Chris. "polyetherimide information and properties". www.polymerprocessing.com. Retrieved 2018-04-30.
^ "Injection Molding Material Selection Guide". www.abtecinc.com. Retrieved 2018-04-30.
^ Sastri, Vinny R. (2014-01-01), Sastri, Vinny R. (ed.), "8 - High-Temperature Engineering Thermoplastics: Polysulfones, Polyimides, Polysulfides, Polyketones, Liquid Crystalline Polymers, and Fluoropolymers", Plastics in Medical Devices (Second Edition), Oxford: William Andrew Publishing, p. 182, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4557-3201-2.00008-2, ISBN 978-1-4557-3201-2, retrieved 2025-05-05, Polyetherimides (PEIs) are manufactured by the reaction of a flexible anhydride and 1,3-diamino benzene. The anhydride is based on bisphenol A and has both ether and isopropylidene links. It is these two flexible links that provide the flexibility and melt processability to PEI compared to its wholly aromatic analogs.
^ Melton, George H.; Peters, Edward N.; Arisman, Ruth K. (2011-01-01), Kutz, Myer (ed.), "2 - Engineering Thermoplastics", Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook, Plastics Design Library, Oxford: William Andrew Publishing, p. 15, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4377-3514-7.10002-9, ISBN 978-1-4377-3514-7, retrieved 2025-05-05, Polyetherimide (PEI) was formally announced by GE in 1982. This amorphous polymer with the Ultem trade name resulted from the research work of a team headed by J.G. Wirth in the early 1970s. The early laboratory process involved a costly and difficult synthesis. Further development resulted in a number of breakthroughs that led to a simplified, cost-effective production process. The final step of the process involves the imidization of a diacid anhydride with m-phenylene diamine

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[curbell-ultem-1] "Ultem". Curbell Plastics. Retrieved 2 November 2023.

[2] ttp://www.mcmaster.com/#ultem/=otzvqt Referenced Oct 7, 2013

[3] "What Is Polyetherimide (PEI)?". Retrieved 2024-10-15.

[4] Scott, Chris. "polyetherimide information and properties". www.polymerprocessing.com. Retrieved 2018-04-30.

[5] "Injection Molding Material Selection Guide". www.abtecinc.com. Retrieved 2018-04-30.

[6] Sastri, Vinny R. (2014-01-01), Sastri, Vinny R. (ed.), "8 - High-Temperature Engineering Thermoplastics: Polysulfones, Polyimides, Polysulfides, Polyketones, Liquid Crystalline Polymers, and Fluoropolymers", Plastics in Medical Devices (Second Edition), Oxford: William Andrew Publishing, p. 182, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4557-3201-2.00008-2, ISBN 978-1-4557-3201-2, retrieved 2025-05-05, Polyetherimides (PEIs) are manufactured by the reaction of a flexible anhydride and 1,3-diamino benzene. The anhydride is based on bisphenol A and has both ether and isopropylidene links. It is these two flexible links that provide the flexibility and melt processability to PEI compared to its wholly aromatic analogs.

[7] Melton, George H.; Peters, Edward N.; Arisman, Ruth K. (2011-01-01), Kutz, Myer (ed.), "2 - Engineering Thermoplastics", Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook, Plastics Design Library, Oxford: William Andrew Publishing, p. 15, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4377-3514-7.10002-9, ISBN 978-1-4377-3514-7, retrieved 2025-05-05, Polyetherimide (PEI) was formally announced by GE in 1982. This amorphous polymer with the Ultem trade name resulted from the research work of a team headed by J.G. Wirth in the early 1970s. The early laboratory process involved a costly and difficult synthesis. Further development resulted in a number of breakthroughs that led to a simplified, cost-effective production process. The final step of the process involves the imidization of a diacid anhydride with m-phenylene diamine

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