PITTSFIELD, MA – GE Plastics has introduced a family of amorphous thermoplastic polyimides named Extem. Some of these polymers retain their stiffness at continuous use temperatures as high as 230ºC, according to Rob Costella, the company’s global product manager for high performance polymers.

Extem’s closest product, GE’s Ultem polyetherimide, has continuous use temperatures that top out at about 180ºC. Compared to Ultem and other types of amorphous thermoplastics, Extem is said to exhibit improved resistance to chemicals – including normally troublesome chlorinated solvents and basic environments.

According to a news release, Extem promises flame resistance without the use of halogenated stabilizers. Flammability testing is still taking place, but Costella predicts Extem will offer very similar UL94 performance to Ultem, which is well known for its ability to withstand fire.

The reported temperature performance, chemical resistance and efficient melt processability of Extem makes it a candidate for a variety applications that currently use semi-crystalline polymers, thermoset polyimides or other “imidized” materials such as polyamidimide. These include electrical parts such as connectors or even flexible circuits. Extem is compatible with lead-free soldering, Costella noted. Other likely applications include under-hood automotive parts, bearings and gears, semiconductor wafer handlers and components for down-hole oil and gas drilling.

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