From January 2019, Biesterfeld (Hamburg / Germany; www.biesterfeld.com) will distribute Solvay’s (Brussels / Belgium; www.solvay.com) sulfone polymers in Switzerland. The portfolio, which the German distributor already sells in other European countries, includes the “Udel” polysulfone (PSU), “Radel” polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and “Veradel” polyethersulfone (PESU) brands.

Used in plumbing fittings, valves and other components in pressurised hot-water systems as well as in medical devices, sulfone polymers are characterised by impact strength, rigidity and heat resistance. PSU is claimed to offer higher heat resistance and better hydrolytic stability than polycarbonate (PC), while retaining its good mechanical properties when exposed to steam and other sterilisation techniques.

PPSU is regarded as having better impact strength and chemical resistance than PSU or polyetherimide (PEI), while PESU’s combination of good chemical resistance, stiffness, mechanical strength and high continuous-use temperatures are properties that make it suitable for food service applications. Due to its flame-retardant properties, the polymer is also used in electronic components such as vehicle lighting.

Biesterfeld already distributes Solvay’s “Ryton” brand PPS throughout Europe, except in Italy. According to Plasteurope.com's Polyglobe database (www.polyglobe.net), the Belgian chemical group is the largest producer of sulfone polymers, followed by BASF (Ludwgshafen / Germany; www.basf.com) and Sumitomo Chemical (Tokyo / Japan; www.sumitomocorp.com). Up to 2021, Solvay is adding capacity for the polymers, aiming to raise total output to around 38,000 t/y – see Plasteurope.com of 13.10.2017.