{
  "spore": "profile",
  "id": "psu",
  "spore_version": "0.2",
  "family": "high-performance-polymers",
  "name": "Polysulfone",
  "abbreviation": "PSU",
  "role": "high-performance amorphous thermoplastic (bisphenol-A polysulfone, sold as Udel and Sultron), flown as a sample on MISSE 2",
  "category": "polymers",
  "type": "high-performance",
  "summary": "Polysulfone (PSU) is an amorphous, transparent, high-temperature thermoplastic made by polycondensation of bisphenol A and 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone. Solvay's Udel P-1700 grade, read from a Japanese distributor page, has a deflection temperature under load of 174 degC at 1.8 MPa (ASTM D648), a tensile strength of 70.3 MPa and a flexural modulus of 2690 MPa. Wikipedia gives a glass transition of 190 to 230 degC. In NASA's MISSE 2 PEACE experiment on the ISS, a PSU sample had an atomic oxygen erosion yield of 2.94e-24 cm3/atom, close to the 2.92e-24 cm3/atom predicted by NASA's tool.\n",
  "best_for": "Parts that must hold stiffness and shape at about 170 degC, can be steam-sterilised, and need dimensional stability (174 degC deflection temperature for the P-1700 grade)",
  "weakest_at": "Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit, where the NASA flight sample eroded at 2.94e-24 cm3/atom; and no published glass-transition or radiation data from a manufacturer datasheet in this run",
  "identity": {
    "formula": "Poly(bisphenol-A sulfone), repeat unit C27H22O4S (molar mass 442.5344 g/mole), made of bisphenol A and bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone units",
    "cas": "25135-51-7",
    "designations": [],
    "source": "wiki-polysulfone",
    "where": "Wikipedia Polysulfone page, table 'Industrially relevant polysulfones' (CAS 25135-51-7 and the systematic name for PSF); repeat-unit formula and molar mass from NASA/TM-2008-215490 Table IV; process: polycondensation at 130 to 160 degC in a polar aprotic solvent (Wikipedia, Contemporary production methods)"
  },
  "tags": {
    "environments": [
      "low-earth-orbit"
    ],
    "stresses": [
      "atomic-oxygen"
    ],
    "applications": [
      "electronics-and-chips",
      "structures"
    ]
  },
  "properties": [
    {
      "benchmark": "atomic_oxygen_erosion_yield",
      "label": "Atomic oxygen erosion yield, MISSE 2 PEACE flight sample",
      "value": 2.94e-24,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "cm3/atom",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "experiment": "MISSE 2 PEACE polymers experiment, outside the ISS airlock",
        "exposure": "low Earth orbit, about four years (duration and fluence as stated in the passport, not re-read in this run)"
      },
      "method": "Measured erosion yield as printed in the MISSE 2 PEACE table of measured atomic oxygen erosion yields",
      "status": "flight",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
      "where": "Table I (MISSE 2 PEACE polymers erosion yield data), row Polysulphone PSU; repeated in the measured-yields table",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit (NASA/TM-2008-215490)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2008-215490 (Banks, Backus and de Groh, December 2008)",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20090011780",
        "year": 2008,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "atomic_oxygen_erosion_yield",
      "label": "Atomic oxygen erosion yield, predicted by NASA tool",
      "value": 2.92e-24,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "cm3/atom",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "NASA predictive tool using the repeat-unit atom counts and bond types; compared against the MISSE 2 flight value"
      },
      "method": "Predicted value as printed in NASA's measured-yields table, predicted column; a calculated value, not a measurement",
      "status": "calculated",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
      "where": "Table of measured atomic oxygen erosion yields, Predicted column, row Polysulphone PSU",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit (NASA/TM-2008-215490)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2008-215490 (Banks, Backus and de Groh, December 2008)",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20090011780",
        "year": 2008,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "density",
      "label": "Density",
      "value": 1.2199,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/cm3",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "density value as printed in the MISSE 2 table, footnoted to reference 12 in NASA's report"
      },
      "method": "Density as printed in NASA's table of density and ash content for the MISSE 2 polymers",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
      "where": "Table II (MISSE 2 PEACE polymers density and fractional ash content), row Polysulphone PSU",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit (NASA/TM-2008-215490)",
        "id": "NASA/TM-2008-215490 (Banks, Backus and de Groh, December 2008)",
        "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20090011780",
        "year": 2008,
        "kind": "report",
        "license": "public domain (NASA)"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "glass_transition_temperature",
      "label": "Glass transition temperature (range)",
      "value": 190,
      "value_high": 230,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "degC",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "general range for polysulfones as stated in the Wikipedia article; no test method given"
      },
      "method": "Range as printed in the Properties section of the Wikipedia article (the article gives no method or grade)",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "wiki-polysulfone",
      "where": "Properties section, sentence on the glass transition temperature of polysulfones",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Polysulfone, Wikipedia",
        "id": "Wikipedia article 'Polysulfone'",
        "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polysulfone",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "web",
        "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "heat_deflection_temperature",
      "label": "Deflection temperature under load, Udel P-1700",
      "value": 174,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "degC",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1700",
        "load": "1.8 MPa",
        "annealing": "none"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D648 as printed on the Solvay distributor data page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1700",
      "where": "Thermal Properties, Deflection temperature under load (1.8MPa, no annealing treatment)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
      "label": "Tensile strength, Udel P-1700",
      "value": 70.3,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1700",
        "temperature": "not stated on the page"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D638 as printed on the Solvay distributor data page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1700",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties, Tensile strength",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elastic_modulus",
      "label": "Tensile modulus, Udel P-1700",
      "value": 2480,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1700"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D638 as printed on the Solvay distributor data page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1700",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties, Tensile Modulus",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "flexural_modulus",
      "label": "Flexural modulus, Udel P-1700",
      "value": 2690,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1700"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D790 as printed on the Solvay distributor data page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1700",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties, Flexural modulus",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "flexural_strength",
      "label": "Bending strength, Udel P-1700",
      "value": 106,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "MPa",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1700"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D790 as printed on the Solvay distributor data page (labelled bending strength)",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1700",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties, Bending strength",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "elongation",
      "label": "Tensile elongation at break, Udel P-1700",
      "value": 50,
      "value_high": 100,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1700"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D638 as printed on the Solvay distributor data page, given as a range",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1700",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties, Tensile elongation at break",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "izod_impact",
      "label": "Notched Izod impact strength, Udel P-1700",
      "value": 69,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "J/m",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1700"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D256 as printed on the Solvay distributor data page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1700",
      "where": "Mechanical Properties, Izod impact strength (notched)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "cte",
      "label": "Linear coefficient of thermal expansion (flow), Udel P-1700",
      "value": 0.000056,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "1/degC",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1700",
        "direction": "flow",
        "unit_in_source": "x10^-5/degC"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D696 as printed on the Solvay distributor data page; the printed value 5.6 is multiplied by 10^-5 to give 5.6e-5 per degC",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1700",
      "where": "Thermal Properties, Linear expansion coefficient (flow)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "dielectric_constant",
      "label": "Dielectric constant at 60 Hz, Udel P-1700",
      "value": 3.03,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "-",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1700",
        "frequency": "60 Hz"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D150 as printed on the Solvay distributor data page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1700",
      "where": "Electrical Properties, Dielectric constant (60Hz)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "dielectric_strength",
      "label": "Dielectric strength, Udel P-1700",
      "value": 17,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "kV/mm",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1700"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D149 as printed on the Solvay distributor data page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1700",
      "where": "Electrical Properties, Dielectric Strength",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "moisture_absorption",
      "label": "Water absorption, 24 h, Udel P-1700",
      "value": 0.3,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "%",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1700",
        "duration": "24 hours"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D570 as printed on the Solvay distributor data page",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1700",
      "where": "Basic Properties, Water absorption rate (24hr)",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "melt_flow_rate",
      "label": "Melt flow rate, Udel P-1710",
      "value": 7,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "g/10 min",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "Udel P-1710",
        "temperature": "343 degC",
        "load": "2.16 kg"
      },
      "method": "ASTM D1238 as printed on the Solvay Japan data page for P-1710 (a snake_case name is used because no canonical name fits; see gaps)",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "plabase-p1710",
      "where": "Building Properties, MFR",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Udel P-1710 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
        "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1710",
        "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401abc",
        "year": 2026,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "autoignition_temperature",
      "label": "Autoignition temperature",
      "value": 549,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "degC",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "as printed in the safety data sheet, with the Fahrenheit value 1020 degF"
      },
      "method": "Value from section 9 (physical and chemical properties) of the supplier's safety data sheet; a snake_case name is used because no canonical name fits (see gaps)",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "sds-sample-materials",
      "where": "Section 9, Autoignition Temperature",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "Safety Data Sheet: Polysulfone resin, pellets, approx. M.W. 60000 (Sample Materials)",
        "id": "revision 19-Dec-2025, revision 5; CAS 25135-51-7",
        "url": "https://www.samaterials.com/tds/sc/1778832982-LE3643.pdf",
        "year": 2025,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "supplier document, linked not reproduced"
      }
    }
  ],
  "corrosion": [
    {
      "environment": "Low Earth orbit, atomic oxygen (ISS, MISSE 2 PEACE experiment)",
      "headline": "Atomic oxygen erodes PSU at 2.94e-24 cm3/atom, close to the predicted 2.92e-24 cm3/atom.",
      "effect": "The MISSE 2 flight sample eroded at 2.94e-24 cm3/atom, which NASA's predictive tool had estimated at 2.92e-24 cm3/atom. The flight exposure fluence and duration are in the passport file and were not re-read in this run. Other MISSE 2 polymers in the same table: polypropylene 2.68e-24 cm3/atom, polyethylene more than 3.74e-24 cm3/atom, Delrin 9.14e-24 cm3/atom.",
      "rating": "unknown",
      "conditions": {
        "experiment": "MISSE 2 PEACE polymers experiment, ISS",
        "measurement": "erosion yield in cm3/atom as printed"
      },
      "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
      "where": "Table I and the measured-yields table (Predicted and MISSE 2 columns), row Polysulphone PSU"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Steam and autoclave sterilisation",
      "headline": "PSU has high hydrolysis stability and tolerates autoclave and steam sterilisation.",
      "effect": "The Wikipedia article states that the high hydrolysis stability of polysulfone allows its use in medical applications that require autoclave and steam sterilisation. No numeric ageing data are given.",
      "rating": "unknown",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "qualitative statement; no temperature, time or cycle count given"
      },
      "source": "wiki-polysulfone",
      "where": "Medical applications paragraph"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Heating in air, thermal decomposition",
      "headline": "Heating decomposes PSU into irritating gases, mainly CO, CO2 and sulfur oxides, but the decomposition temperature is not reported.",
      "effect": "The supplier's safety data sheet says thermal decomposition gives irritating gases and vapours, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulfur oxides. It lists the decomposition temperature as no data available. Its autoignition temperature is 549 degC.",
      "rating": "unknown",
      "conditions": {
        "basis": "section 10 and section 9 of the pellet safety data sheet"
      },
      "source": "sds-sample-materials",
      "where": "Section 9 (Decomposition Temperature, Autoignition Temperature) and Section 10 (Hazardous Decomposition Products)"
    }
  ],
  "risks": {
    "hazards": [
      {
        "text": "Supplier safety data sheet for polysulfone pellets (approx. M.W. 60000, revision 19-Dec-2025): not considered hazardous under the US OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 2024; no label elements required.",
        "ghs": [],
        "source": "sds-sample-materials",
        "where": "Section 2 (Classification)"
      },
      {
        "text": "Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials SDS for Sultron PSU (SDS-2100): GHS classification 'None' and hazard statements 'None'. The same document warns that dust is flammable and can be explosive when finely divided and suspended in air.",
        "ghs": [],
        "source": "sds-mcam-sultron",
        "where": "Section 2 (GHS Classifications) and Section 7 (dust statements)"
      }
    ],
    "failure_risks": [
      {
        "mode": "Atomic oxygen erosion of exposed surfaces in low Earth orbit",
        "trigger": "Long exposure to atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit",
        "consequence": "The MISSE 2 flight sample eroded at 2.94e-24 cm3/atom. Erosion thins exposed surfaces over time; NASA gives no lifetime figure for this part.",
        "source": "nasa-tm-2008-215490",
        "where": "Table I"
      }
    ],
    "side_effects": [
      {
        "text": "Thermal decomposition releases irritating gases and vapours, including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur oxides.",
        "affects": "Operators and the local air in a fire or overheating event",
        "source": "sds-sample-materials",
        "where": "Section 5 and Section 10 (Hazardous Decomposition Products)"
      }
    ],
    "handling": [
      {
        "text": "Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents.",
        "source": "sds-sample-materials",
        "where": "Section 7 (Storage) and Section 10 (Incompatible Materials)"
      },
      {
        "text": "Avoid dust formation, and control ignition sources where dust may be present.",
        "source": "sds-mcam-sultron",
        "where": "Section 7"
      }
    ],
    "mitigations": [
      {
        "text": "Ensure adequate ventilation and wear personal protective equipment when handling pellets or dust.",
        "source": "sds-sample-materials",
        "where": "Section 7 (Handling) and Section 8 (Personal protection)"
      }
    ]
  },
  "uses": [
    {
      "application": "electronics-and-chips",
      "device": "Electrical equipment and automobile fuses",
      "example": "Wikipedia lists Udel (a DCDPS-derived polysulfone) for plumbing pipes, printer cartridges and automobile fuses; the article also says polysulfones are used for electrical equipment.",
      "source": "wiki-polysulfone",
      "where": "Lead section and Applications (Udel paragraph)"
    },
    {
      "application": "structures",
      "device": "Vehicle construction parts",
      "example": "Wikipedia says polysulfones are used for electrical equipment, vehicle construction and medical technology, and that they are used in the automotive and electronic industries.",
      "source": "wiki-polysulfone",
      "where": "Lead section and Applications"
    }
  ],
  "supply": [
    {
      "subject": "Sulfur (feedstock for bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone and the sulfone group)",
      "producers": [
        {
          "country": "China",
          "share_percent": 22.6,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "United States",
          "share_percent": 9.6,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Russia",
          "share_percent": 8.9,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Canada",
          "share_percent": 6,
          "year": 2025
        }
      ],
      "critical_lists": [
        {
          "list": "USGS 2025 List of Critical Minerals",
          "listed": false
        }
      ],
      "recycling": "Not stated in the USGS sulfur summary read for this profile.",
      "substitutes": [],
      "source": "usgs-mcs2026-sulfur",
      "where": "World Production and Reserves table, production in thousand metric tons, 2025e (world total 84,000 thousand t; shares calculated by Space Mushroom). Import sources (2021-24) for elemental sulfur: Canada 53%."
    }
  ],
  "media": [],
  "documents": [],
  "gaps": [
    "No manufacturer datasheet with glass-transition or continuous-service-temperature values was read; the Solvay design guide and gamma-irradiation bulletin returned HTML, not PDF.",
    "PubChem GHS classification could not be read (the site returned a verification page); hazard statements come from two SDSs and a supplier note.",
    "No UV, thermal-cycling or radiation ageing number was read from a fetched page. The Norrman and Krebs photodegradation paper and the nanodiamond radiation paper (RSC, 403 on fetch) were not read.",
    "The bisphenol A monomer hazard is from the Wikipedia infobox (H360, H317, H318, H335, H411), not from a regulatory database; it is not a hazard of the polymer itself.",
    "Supply of bisphenol A and bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone was not read; sulfur is the only feedstock with shares in this profile.",
    "Snake-case names used because no canonical name fits: melt_flow_rate and autoignition_temperature.",
    "Flight numbers (fluence, duration, solar exposure) are in the passport and were not re-read here, so they are not used as properties.",
    "Critical-mineral list status for sulfur was not checked in this run."
  ],
  "story": {
    "why": "Polysulfone is an amorphous thermoplastic with a repeat unit of C27H22O4S, made from bisphenol A and a sulfone monomer. Its backbone of aromatic rings and sulfone links gives high stiffness and a high softening range. In NASA's MISSE 2 experiment, one of the polymers flown on the ISS, it was exposed to atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit and eroded at 2.94e-24 cm3/atom, close to the prediction. It was chosen for this profile because it sits in the high-performance thermoplastic group alongside PEI and PEEK, and because it has a flight record.",
    "uses": [
      {
        "where": "Electrical equipment and fuses",
        "line": "Wikipedia lists Udel, a polysulfone made from the same sulfone monomer, for printer cartridges and automobile fuses, and says polysulfones are used for electrical equipment."
      },
      {
        "where": "Vehicle construction",
        "line": "The same article says polysulfones are used for vehicle construction and in the automotive and electronic industries. It does not name a space application."
      }
    ],
    "can_do": [
      {
        "label": "Heat",
        "line": "The Udel P-1700 grade has a deflection temperature under load of 174 degC at 1.8 MPa, with no annealing, by ASTM D648.",
        "benchmark": "heat_deflection_temperature",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "174 degC"
      },
      {
        "label": "Glass transition",
        "line": "Wikipedia gives the glass transition of polysulfones as between 190 and 230 degC, with no test method.",
        "benchmark": "glass_transition_temperature",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "190 to 230 degC"
      },
      {
        "label": "Strength",
        "line": "The P-1700 grade has a tensile strength of 70.3 MPa and a flexural modulus of 2690 MPa, both by ASTM methods.",
        "benchmark": "ultimate_tensile_strength",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "70.3 MPa"
      },
      {
        "label": "Space exposure",
        "line": "The MISSE 2 flight sample eroded at 2.94e-24 cm3/atom, which is a flight result, not a ground test.",
        "benchmark": "atomic_oxygen_erosion_yield",
        "scope": "material",
        "value": "2.94e-24 cm3/atom"
      }
    ],
    "compare": "Among the polymers in NASA's MISSE 2 table, PSU eroded at 2.94e-24 cm3/atom. Polypropylene eroded less, at 2.68e-24 cm3/atom, while polyethylene eroded more, at more than 3.74e-24 cm3/atom, and Delrin eroded at 9.14e-24 cm3/atom. The other rows compare PSU's 174 degC deflection temperature with the Udel grade figures and its glass transition range, which come from separate datasheets and are not directly comparable with the flight data.",
    "compare_rows": [
      {
        "label": "Atomic oxygen erosion yield",
        "benchmark": "atomic_oxygen_erosion_yield",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Deflection temperature under load",
        "benchmark": "heat_deflection_temperature",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Glass transition",
        "benchmark": "glass_transition_temperature",
        "scope": "material"
      }
    ],
    "handling": [
      "The pellets are not classified as hazardous by the supplier's sheet. Keep dust down.",
      "Store closed, dry and cool, away from strong oxidizing agents.",
      "Overheating releases carbon monoxide and sulfur oxides; ventilate."
    ],
    "good_for": [
      "Steam sterilisation and autoclaving, as stated in the Wikipedia article on hydrolysis stability.",
      "Stiff parts that hold shape near 170 degC, with a deflection temperature of 174 degC for the P-1700 grade."
    ],
    "watch_out": [
      "Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit erodes it at 2.94e-24 cm3/atom, so exposed surfaces need protection.",
      "Its monomer bisphenol A is classed as a reproductive toxicant (H360) by the Wikipedia infobox."
    ],
    "verdict": "PSU is a stiff, heat-resistant and sterilisable thermoplastic with a flight record of moderate atomic oxygen erosion. For space use, it needs protection, and the monomer hazard needs managing in production.",
    "recipe": {
      "line": "PSU is made by polycondensation of bisphenol A with bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone in a polar aprotic solvent at 130 to 160 degC, with sodium chloride removed as a by-product. The repeat unit is C27H22O4S.",
      "parts": [
        {
          "name": "Carbon",
          "symbol": "C",
          "role": "Forms the aromatic rings and the isopropylidene group of the bisphenol A unit and the sulfone-linked phenylene rings.",
          "atoms": 27,
          "atomic_weight": 12.011
        },
        {
          "name": "Hydrogen",
          "symbol": "H",
          "role": "Completes the aromatic rings and the methyl groups.",
          "atoms": 22,
          "atomic_weight": 1.008
        },
        {
          "name": "Oxygen",
          "symbol": "O",
          "role": "Two ether oxygens from bisphenol A and the two oxygens of the sulfone group.",
          "atoms": 4,
          "atomic_weight": 15.999
        },
        {
          "name": "Sulfur",
          "symbol": "S",
          "role": "Sulfone group, which gives the polymer its high glass transition and hydrolysis stability.",
          "atoms": 1,
          "atomic_weight": 32.06
        }
      ]
    },
    "risk_groups": [
      {
        "title": "For people",
        "lead": "Polysulfone pellets are not classified as hazardous by two supplier safety data sheets. The monomer bisphenol A is a different matter.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "The pellets",
            "line": "The Sample Materials sheet (revised December 2025) says the product is not considered hazardous under US OSHA rules. The Sultron sheet lists no GHS classification."
          },
          {
            "label": "Dust",
            "line": "Avoid dust. The Sultron sheet warns that dust can be flammable and explosive when finely divided and suspended in air."
          },
          {
            "label": "Monomer",
            "line": "Bisphenol A, a feedstock, carries hazard codes H317, H318, H335, H360 and H411 with the signal word Danger (Wikipedia infobox). Residual monomer in a finished part is not measured here."
          }
        ],
        "level": 0,
        "verdict": "Not classified hazardous"
      },
      {
        "title": "If the polymer overheats",
        "lead": "Decomposition products are irritating and the decomposition temperature is not reported.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Gases",
            "line": "Heating gives off carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulfur oxides."
          },
          {
            "label": "Ignition",
            "line": "The autoignition temperature is 549 degC."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Handling and storage",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Storage",
            "line": "Keep the container closed in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, away from strong oxidizing agents."
          },
          {
            "label": "Cleaning",
            "line": "Avoid creating dust, and control ignition sources where dust may be present."
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  },
  "updated": "2026-10-20",
  "review": {
    "status": "draft",
    "method": "assistant",
    "checked_values": 17,
    "unreachable": 3,
    "caveats": 2,
    "note": "Written by an AI assistant on 2026-10-20 from pages fetched in this run. Solvay design guide and gamma bulletin were not PDFs; PubChem and the RSC nanodiamond paper were blocked."
  },
  "sources": {
    "nasa-tm-2008-215490": {
      "title": "Atomic Oxygen Erosion Yield Predictive Tool for Spacecraft Polymers in Low Earth Orbit (NASA/TM-2008-215490)",
      "id": "NASA/TM-2008-215490 (Banks, Backus and de Groh, December 2008)",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20090011780",
      "year": 2008,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (NASA)"
    },
    "wiki-polysulfone": {
      "title": "Polysulfone, Wikipedia",
      "id": "Wikipedia article 'Polysulfone'",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polysulfone",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0"
    },
    "wiki-bpa": {
      "title": "Bisphenol A, Wikipedia (infobox GHS hazard codes and CAS)",
      "id": "CAS 80-05-7",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0"
    },
    "plabase-p1700": {
      "title": "Udel P-1700 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
      "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1700",
      "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401a70",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
    },
    "plabase-p1710": {
      "title": "Udel P-1710 PSU data sheet (Solvay Specialty Polymers Japan), plabase",
      "id": "plabase item page, grade P-1710",
      "url": "https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5bc6e496b5ccf44098401abc",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "distributor data page, linked not reproduced"
    },
    "sds-sample-materials": {
      "title": "Safety Data Sheet: Polysulfone resin, pellets, approx. M.W. 60000 (Sample Materials)",
      "id": "revision 19-Dec-2025, revision 5; CAS 25135-51-7",
      "url": "https://www.samaterials.com/tds/sc/1778832982-LE3643.pdf",
      "year": 2025,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "supplier document, linked not reproduced"
    },
    "sds-mcam-sultron": {
      "title": "Safety Data Sheet: Sultron PSU (Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, SDS-2100)",
      "id": "SDS-2100, revised November 22",
      "url": "https://www.mcam.com/mam/29946/MCAM-SULTRON-PSU-EN-SDS-2100-220819.pdf",
      "year": 2022,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "supplier document, linked not reproduced"
    },
    "usgs-mcs2026-sulfur": {
      "title": "Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Sulfur",
      "id": "USGS MCS 2026, February 2026",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-sulfur.pdf",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (USGS)"
    }
  },
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "url": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/psu/"
}