PPS in the field of automotive applications

PPS is an abbreviation of polyphenylene sulfide, which has a symmetric rigid backbone and is a partially crystalline polymer composed of repeated para-substituted benzene rings and sulfur atoms.

PPS is a special engineering plastic with high performance, high melting point of up to 280℃, can replace metal, located at the top of the polymer performance pyramid.

The excellent performance of PPS resin enables it to meet the material requirements of the demanding automotive parts.

The global market for polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) was estimated to be worth $1.19 billion in 2018, according to a report by US-based market research firm GVR.

It is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 8.8 per cent between 2019 and 2025.

PPS has a wide range of applications in the automotive industry. The demand for PPS is increasing in automobile manufacturing countries such as India, China and Japan to meet the requirements for lightweight and stability of vehicles.

PPS resin has the following excellent properties:

1, inherent flame retardancy, PPS resin can reach UL94:V-0/5VA grade when no flame retardant is added;

2, excellent chemical resistance, up to 200℃ below the degree of no solvent solution, similar to the chemical resistance level of PTFE;

3. Good dimensional stability, low forming shrinkage and linear expansion coefficient;

Due to the low water absorption, it can also maintain excellent dimensional stability in high humidity and high temperature environment

4, outstanding mechanical characteristics, because of high strength and rigidity, can maintain fatigue resistance, creep resistance in a variety of environments;

5, excellent heat resistance, UL temperature index (RTI) :200-220℃, HDT (thermal deformation temperature) >260℃.

PPS resin production enterprises

Solvay's high-performance Ryton Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) has been proven to be suitable for critical automotive components including engine pump core components, flexible lightweight coolant piping, mounts and connectors.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Kureha manufactures PPS, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyglycolic acid (PGA), plastic packaging and specialty chemicals. To date, the Kureha 'shonsh Presentation Factory on the east coast of Japan can produce about 10,700 tons of PPS annually. With capacity expansion, Kureha is responding to further growth in demand, especially in the automotive industry. The new 5,000-ton-a-year PPS plant at Kureha's Iwaki plant in Fukushima Prefecture is expected to be completed by September 2020.

Toray Industries is one of the most comprehensive manufacturers of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) technology and product range from pure resins, modified composites, fibers and thin films since the early days of Phillips Petroleum. According to the different production technology, Toray polyphenylene sulfide pure resin is divided into quenching and splashing two kinds, the former in the ductility and transparency is stronger than the latter, the application range is wider.

Polyphenylene sulfide resin is marketed under the brand name Durafide ®PPS. It is a fully linear PPS resin that has the following properties compared to partially cross-linked PPS resin:

Higher elongation and impact strength, excellent toughness.

Small amount of ionic impurities, suitable for fuel cell components and areas requiring strict electrical performance.

Excellent thermal stability, easy molding and processing.

High welding strength and performance in secondary machining, e.g. suitable for threaded joints and pressure fits.

High whiteness, can be colored.