Highest mechanical properties of any plastic above 400°F (204°C)
Highest heat deflection temperature 800°F (427°C), with a continuous service capability of 750°F (399°C) in inert environments, or 650°F (343°C) in air with short term exposure potential to 1,000°F (538°C)
Lowest coefficient of thermal expansion and highest compressive strength of all unfilled plastics
Celazole® PBI is the highest performance engineering thermoplastic available today. It offers the highest heat resistance and mechanical property retention over 400°F of any unfilled plastic (see Figures 26 & 27). It has better wear resistance and load carrying capabilities at extreme temperatures than any other reinforced or unreinforced engineering plastic.
As an unreinforced material, Celazole PBI is very "clean" in terms of ionic impurity and it does not outgas (except water). These characteristics make this material very attractive to semiconductor manufacturers for vacuum chamber applications. Celazole PBI has excellent ultrasonic transparency which makes it an ideal choice for parts such as probe tip lenses in ultrasonic measuring equipment.
Celazole PBI is also an excellent thermal insulator. Other plastics in melt do not stick to PBI. These characteristics make it ideal for contact seals and insulator bushings in plastic production and molding equipment.
High Heat Insulator Bushings Bushings used in hot runner plastic injection molds made of Celazole PBI allow the plastic being molded to remain in melt as the part "freezes" in the cool mold. Bushings last longer and ease clean up since hot molten plastics do not stick to PBI. (Prior materials: Vespel® PI, Ceramic)
Electrical Connectors For an extra margin of safety, an aircraft engine manufacturer replaced connectors exposed to temperatures over 400°F (205°C) with Celazole PBI. (Prior material: Vespel® PI)
Ball Valve Seats Seats manufactured from Celazole PBI excel in high temperature fluid handling service. (Prior material: Metal)
Clamp Rings Parts machined from Celazole PBI for gas plasma etching equipment last longer than polyimide parts due to reduced high energy erosion rates. Because they need replacement less often, valuable production "uptime" is gained. (Prior material: Vespel® PI)
Engineering Notes Celazole PBI is extremely hard and can be challenging to fabricate. Polycrystalline diamond tools are recommended when fabricating production quantities. Celazole tends to be notch sensitive. All corners should be radiused (0.040" min.) and edges chamfered to maximize part toughness. High tolerance fabricated components should be stored in sealed containers (usually polybags with desiccant) to avoid dimensional changes due to moisture absorption. Components rapidly exposed to temperatures above 400°F (205°C) should be "dried" prior to use or kept dry to avoid deformation from thermal shock.
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