SABIC, a chemicals producer, has launched a new product for aerospace: the ULTEM SU3102P reactive oligomer. The product is a polyetherimide-based toughening agent designed for thermoset composites used in primary and secondary aerospace structures including wings, fuselage frames, spoilers and interior components.
According to SABIC this oligomer achieves loadings of up to 50% by weight compared with reactive polyethersulfone (rPES), which it says typically permit loadings of 7–12%. SABIC claims the ULTEM SU3102P oligomer improves the toughness-stiffness balance by up to 140% compared with rPES, helping composite materials resist fracture and impact damage.
Despite the higher loading capacity, the oligomer maintains low formulation viscosity, supporting consistent processing and reduced cycle times. SABIC said it can enable composite manufacturers to improve the productivity and energy efficiency of thermoset composite prepregs by up to 30%. The material is described as a drop-in solution compatible with a wide range of thermoset resin systems, requiring no modifications to existing manufacturing processes.
Consistent with other products in the ULTEM range, the SU3102P oligomer has inherent flame retardance, high heat and chemical resistance, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE).
“Our new ULTEM oligomer can help designers create lighter, thinner and tougher composite structures, increase manufacturing efficiency and cut emissions,” said Sergi Monros, vice president at SABIC Polymers.
