PPS – polyphenylene sulfide
High-performance plastic with dimensional stability and chemical resistance up to 220 °C
PPS sits between engineering plastics and PEEK: it works up to about 220 °C, absorbs almost no water, has excellent dimensional stability and resists practically all solvents below 200 °C. It is stiffer and more brittle than PEEK and costs less.
Designations and equivalents
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation (ISO 1043) | PPS |
| Trade names | TECATRON natural (Ensinger); Techtron 1000 PPS (MCAM) |
Standards by product form
| Form | Standard |
|---|---|
| Rod, sheet and tube | Stock-shape manufacturer's specification |
| Food contact | FDA/EU compliant grades available; confirm for the lot |
| Machined part to drawing | ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing |
Composition and filler
Nominal composition
| Component | Content |
|---|---|
| PPS | 100% (natural) |
| Filled grades | glass fiber (GF40) or sliding filler |
Mechanical properties
Typical values from the stock-shape manufacturer's catalog, 23 °C; ISO/ASTM methods as per the source
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 102 MPa |
| Modulus of elasticity (tensile) | 4,000 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 12% |
| Compressive strength | 122 MPa |
| Hardness | Rockwell M 100 |
| Notched impact | 2 kJ/m² |
Typical physical and thermal properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.35 g/cm³ |
| Maximum continuous service temperature | 220 °C |
| Maximum short-term temperature | 260 °C |
| Minimum service temperature | -30 °C |
| HDT (1.8 MPa) | 115 °C |
| Melting point or glass transition | 280 °C |
| Linear thermal expansion | 80 µm/m·K |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.3 W/m·K |
| Water absorption (24 h) | 0.01 / 0.02% |
| Water absorption (saturation) | 0.1% |
| Dielectric strength | 18 kV/mm |
| Flammability (UL 94) | V-0 |
Calculate the weight of PPS – polyphenylene sulfide bar, plate or pipe →
Friction, wear and PV limit
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Dynamic coefficient of friction against steel | 0.24 (dynamic, ASTM D3702, 40 psi (0.28 MPa), 50 ft/min (0.25 m/s)) |
PV and friction depend on the test method, the mating surface (steel, stainless, roughness), lubrication and each manufacturer's safety factor: compare values from the same source and confirm by testing in critical applications.
Chemical resistance
| Medium | Resistance |
|---|---|
| Acids | Very good (except strong oxidizers) |
| Bases (alkalis) | Very good |
| Solvents | Excellent (no known solvent below ~200 °C) |
| Hydrocarbons and oils | Excellent |
| Steam and hot water | Very good |
Compare PPS – polyphenylene sulfide with the other plastics by application, temperature and medium →
Stock forms and sizes
- Rod (round bar)
- Sheet (plate)
- Tube and bushing
- Raw material: rod (round bar), sheet (plate) and tube, cut to size
- Machined part to drawing or sample, in the same order as the metal parts
- Lot certificate of conformity; FDA/EU 10/2011 declaration when the grade allows
Service temperature, machining and assembly
| Item | Usual practice |
|---|---|
| Service temperature | Continuous service up to 220 °C, short peaks up to 260 °C; minimum -30 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep). |
| Annealing (stress relief) | Stress-relief annealing before precision machining. |
| Bonding and welding | Bonding with epoxy after preparation. |
| Machining | Machines with carbide tooling; the material is brittle, so avoid sharp notches. |
Typical applications
- Chemical pump and valve parts
- Semiconductor equipment components
- High-temperature electrical insulators
- Precision parts that require dimensional stability
Alternatives: PEEK when there is impact or higher temperature; PVDF for chemical service up to 140 °C.
Frequently asked questions
Which standards cover PPS?
Rod, sheet and tube: Stock-shape manufacturer's specification. Food contact: FDA/EU compliant grades available; confirm for the lot. Machined part to drawing: ISO 2768 tolerance or as per drawing.
Up to what temperature can PPS be used?
Continuous service up to 220 °C, short peaks up to 260 °C; minimum -30 °C (unloaded; under load, limited by HDT and creep).
Which materials can replace PPS?
PEEK when there is impact or higher temperature; PVDF for chemical service up to 140 °C.
PPS or PEEK?
PPS is cheaper, stiffer and more stable in water; PEEK is tougher and handles higher temperature and dynamic load.
Where to buy PPS in Brazil?
Dustre supplies PPS as bar, plate, tube, block and forged or machined parts, subject to availability, with a quality certificate. Head office in Osasco/SP, branches in Joinville/SC and Baixo Guandu/ES, delivery across Brazil and export worldwide (export documents and 3.1 certificate; Incoterm agreed in the quote). For a quote, message Helena, our virtual assistant on WhatsApp +55 11 98649-0075, or write to vendas@dustre.com.br.