ULTEM™ Resin

Light-weighting for fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions and greater EV range are just a few of the trends evolving in the automotive industry. In lighting design, LED assemblies are becoming wider, larger, thinner and more complex, calling for materials with dimensional stability and precise tolerances. As the ADAS sensor suite evolves, the increasing number of components will likely present new design and performance challenges, from sensor fusion into headlamps and fascias, to requirements for improved accuracy and aesthetics. Also, miniaturization of ADAS components demands materials with high-temperature resistance and low warpage to enable thin-wall designs for small spaces. In e-mobility, batteries and powertrain systems require thin, lightweight dielectric films with high-temperature capability.

SABIC’s large and growing ULTEM (PEI) resin family offers exceptional properties for demanding applications. In addition to signature high-heat performance and mechanical properties, ULTEM resins meet exacting requirements for dimensional stability over a wide temperature range, through millions of cycles, for essential precision components like UTH cylinder deactivation valves, EV cooling systems and radar antennas. Excellent electrical and optical properties and infrared (IR) transparency make ULTEM resins well-suited for ADAS components such as LiDAR mirrors, lenses, covers and radomes. ULTEM film provides high heat and chemical resistance to support EV inverters, capacitors and current collectors. In forward lighting, ULTEM optical grades deliver a mirror-like, direct-metallized surface, IR transparency and high heat capabilities to delay haze onset.

Compared to other materials, ULTEM resins provide better processability, dimensional stability and UV resistance than PES; better wear resistance and dimensional stability than PEEK (above 150°C); lower CTE and outgassing vs. PPS/PPA; and lower moisture uptake, lower CTE and a higher haze onset temperature than high-heat PC and PES.