PPS
A semi-crystalline polymer, highly chemical resistant
Typical values for the temper in the title
PPS is a semi-crystalline polymer with a melting point of about 280 °C. It is highly resistant to chemicals and fuels (almost no solvent dissolves it below about 200 °C), dimensionally stable, absorbs very little water, and is inherently flame retardant.
It is almost always used glass and mineral filled, giving high strength and stiffness (database: about 165 MPa, likely for a filled grade). It is used for under-hood automotive parts, chemical pump components, connectors and electrical components. The drawback: it is relatively brittle.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 165 MPa | likely for a filled grade (database value) |
| Elongation A | 1.5% | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 3.8 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 1.65 g/cm³ | |
| Rockwell R hardness | 90 | |
| Machinability | 50% | relative rating in the site database |
Structure and family
| Feature | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Type | semi-crystalline thermoplastic | chemical resistance |
| Tm melting | about 280 °C | |
| Water absorption | very low | dimensional stability |
Typical values per producer data sheets.
Grades and versions
In engineering polymers, the choice is between an unfilled grade, filled grades (glass or carbon fiber) and special grades (bearing, medical, food). Filler strongly changes strength, stiffness and expansion.
| Version | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Glass-fiber filled (GF40) | strong and stiff | the common grade |
| Glass and mineral filled | dimensional stability, low cost | electrical components |
Applications
- Under-hood automotive parts
- Chemical pump components
- Connectors and electrical components
- Fuel-system parts
- Hot appliance parts
Fabrication
Machining
Use very sharp tools, a feed that does not overheat the material, and good support (the material is flexible and deforms under clamping). For precision parts, stress-relief annealing before final machining is sometimes performed.
Brittleness
Filled grades are relatively brittle (about 1.5% elongation). Avoid sharp corners and shock loads.
Joining
Ultrasonic welding and mechanical assembly.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEEK | 100 MPa | Ultrasonic / Laser | PEEK: more ductile and stronger, much more expensive · material page |
| PEI (Ultem) | 105 MPa | Ultrasonic | PEI: amorphous, less chemically resistant · material page |
| PBT | 55 MPa | Ultrasonic | PBT: cheap, for lower heat · material page |
Common mistakes
Designing a part with sharp corners
They concentrate stress, and the material is brittle.
Expecting PEEK-like ductility
Filled PPS is relatively brittle.
Using the strength value without knowing the grade
An unfilled grade is much weaker than a filled one.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| ISO | PPS |
|---|---|
| ASTM | D4067 |
| Standards | ASTM D4067 / ASTM D6358 |
| Forms | plate · rod · pellets |
| Producers | Celanese Fortron · Solvay Ryton · Toray |
Learn more
Values are typical for an unfilled grade (unless stated otherwise) and for comparison only. In polymers, properties depend on grade, filler, temperature, moisture and load duration. For design, rely on the producer data sheet for the specific grade. Sources: ASTM classification standards (D8033, D5205, D5204, D6394, D4067 and others), producer data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026