Plastics compounder and distributor PolyOne has added the Ultrason range of thermoplastics from BASF to its distribution portfolio. Grades in this range are based on polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU).
PolyOne announced the extension of its portfolio this week at the MD&M West tradeshow in Anaheim, CA.

PolyOne will market the materials to processors of healthcare products through its PolyOne Distribution business unit. Typical applications for these materials include respiratory devices and fluid collection containers. Most grades are for injection molding but some extrusion grades also are available.

Grades within the Ultrason family can withstand temperatures up to 428°F. For example, sterilizable baby bottles made from Ultrason retain their transparency and are resistant to breakage even after numerous machine washings. The material has been marketed as a potential replacement for polycarbonate and glass in this application.

BASF has supplied two of the Ultrason grades, Ultrason S PSU and Ultrason E PES, for almost two decades. Both materials are often used where requirements exceed the capabilities of polyamide, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene and polyalkylene terephthalate. In 2007 it added Ultrason PPSU for very demanding applications.