BP Amoco Introduces New Optical-Quality Udel Polysulfone
Asset Caption: BP Amoco has developed a new grade of optical-quality Udel polysulfone designed to deliver improved performance in fiber optics applications. High-transparency Udel P-3703 NT 05 offers excellent transmittance up to 87.8% across the near IR spectrum.
Asset Caption: Download the BP Amoco logo here.
Asset Caption: Press Release
Asset Description: Word document
ATLANTA--June 04, 2001--BP Amoco Polymers has developed a new grade of optical-quality Udel(R) polysulfone designed to deliver improved performance in fiber optics applications.
High-transparency Udel P-3703 NT 05 offers a high refractive index of 1.634 which is desirable for many lens applications because it allows thinner and/or higher power lenses than are possible with other commercially available transparent polymers such as polycarbonate and acrylic.
Optical-quality Udel resin also offers excellent transmittance up to 87.8% across the near IR spectrum. At the wavelengths of 850, 1300 and 1510 nm, an eighth-inch sample transmits approximately 86-87%. In addition, Udel resin can withstand higher temperatures than most transparent polymers by virtue of its higher heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 174(Degree)C.
"As transmission speeds start to reach 10 Gbits/sec and beyond, more power is needed and more heat is being generated," comments Jill Sanders, marketing manager for the company's fiber optics group. "The higher temperature capability of Udel resins allows designers of optical components to have a new tool in their tool box. Plus, now they can use more cost-effective injection molded optical components and apply high-temperature coatings that could melt acrylic or polycarbonate."
In addition to its superior optical properties, Udel resin offers excellent dimensional and hydrolytic stability, along with good chemical resistance and low creep. Udel resin is also very versatile in terms of processing. It can be used in injection molding, sheet extrusion, film extrusion and thermoforming, plus it works well with post-processing steps such as ultrasonic bonding, spin welding, adhesive bonding and heat staking.
For more demanding applications, the BP Amoco offers Radel(R) R polyphenylsulfone which features an HDT of 207(Degree)C, refractive index of 1.675 and transmittance up to 87.8% in the near IR spectrum.
