𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬

Sabic is introducing #UltemSU3102P reactive oligomer, a breakthrough toughening agent for #thermosetcomposites that promises to reshape aerospace manufacturing.

The novel #polyetherimide (PEI) oligomer is designed for primary and secondary #aerospacestructures, including #wings, #fuselageframes, #spoilers, and interior components, delivering unprecedented formulation freedom without compromising processability.The Gold winner of the 2026 Edison Awards addresses critical industry challenges as air traffic surges worldwide.

As global air traffic increases significantly with more passengers and cargo, the industry faces pressure to build capacity and throughput within its existing footprint, while still meeting cost, safety, and sustainability goals," said Sergi Monros, vice president, Sabic Polymers, Specialties BU. "Our new Ultem oligomer can help designers create lighter, thinner, and tougher composite structures, increase manufacturing efficiency, and cut emissions. This addition to our Ultem portfolio builds on a long history of success in aerospace applications and demonstrates our strong commitment to materials innovation.

What sets the Ultem SU3102P oligomer apart is its ability to achieve loadings of up to 50% by weight — the only thermoplastic solution capable of such high concentrations. In contrast, #reactivepolyethersulfone (rPES), the current industry standard, typically permits loadings of only 7% to 12%. This dramatic difference translates into tangible performance benefits: the new #Sabic oligomer improves toughness-stiffness balance by up to 140% compared to rPES, helping composite materials resist fracture and other damage from impact. Enhanced part durability can reduce maintenance time and costs while increasing air safety.

Despite its high loading capability, the Ultem oligomer maintains low formulation viscosity, supporting consistent and efficient processing that helps reduce cycle time. Composite manufacturers can boost the productivity and energy efficiency of thermoset composite prepregs by up to 30%. The #oligomer can be dropped into existing manufacturing processes and is compatible with a wide range of thermoset resin systems, eliminating the need for costly equipment upgrades.

Like all Sabic Ultem products, the SU3102P oligomer delivers comprehensive performance characteristics essential for aerospace applications: exceptional strength, inherent flame retardance, high heat and chemical resistance, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). These properties ensure long-term durability in the demanding aerospace environment.

The material is available globally for sampling and in commercial quantities, enabling aerospace manufacturers to quickly evaluate and implement this innovative solution in their production processes.

source : Plastics Today