What Is Polyetherimide Used For?

PEI Team on September 21, 2023

PEI’s unique properties makes it and ideal choice for a huge range of applications. Let’s review some of these varied uses for this incredible material.

Polyetherimide (PEI), being a high-performance thermoplastic, has a huge and varied range of uses. Some of the most notable uses of PEI include:

  1. Aerospace: Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, flame resistance, and thermal stability, PEI is used in aerospace components such as interior panels, ductwork, and various structural parts.
  2. Electronics: PEI’s electrical insulating properties make it ideal for electronic components like circuit board insulators, connectors, sockets, and switch components.
  3. Medical Devices: PEI’s biocompatibility, sterilization resistance, and transparency make it a preferred material for medical devices such as surgical instruments, dental devices, and fluid handling systems.
  4. Automotive: In the automotive industry, PEI is used for under-the-hood components, headlamp reflectors, and sensor housings due to its heat resistance and dimensional stability.
  5. Semiconductor: PEI is used in the semiconductor industry for wafer handling components, trays, and other parts that require chemical resistance and thermal stability.
  6. Food Industry: PEI’s resistance to steam and hot water makes it suitable for food service trays, microwave cookware, and other kitchenware.
  7. Toys and Handheld Tools: While PEI is expensive to purchase and process, it has found popular usage in high-quality handheld items, like fidget toys and pocket knife handles.
  8. Optical Lenses: The inherent transparency of PEI to infrared radiation makes it useful for heat-resistant optical applications, such as lenses for infrared cameras.
  9. Fluid Handling: PEI’s chemical resistance makes it suitable for components in fluid handling systems, such as valves, pumps, and fittings.
  10. Film and Sheet: PEI films are used in applications that require high-temperature resistance, such as flexible printed circuits and thermal insulating materials.
  11. 3D Printing: PEI sheets are often used as a build surface for 3D printers due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and provide excellent adhesion for various thermoplastics.
  12. Rail and Mass Transit: PEI is used in rail and mass transit applications for interior components such as seating, wall panels, and window frames because of its flame resistance and durability.

These are just a few examples, and the versatility of PEI means it can be found in many other applications across various industries. Its combination of thermal stability, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and other properties make it a preferred choice for many demanding applications.