- SABIC introduced ULTEM SU3102P, a reactive polyetherimide (PEI) oligomer for thermoset aerospace composites
- ULTEM SU3102P permits thermoset loadings up to 50 wt% versus 7-12% typical for reactive polyethersulfone (rPES)
- Toughness-to-stiffness balance improves up to 140% compared with rPES, increasing impact resistance and part durability
- Maintains low formulation viscosity despite high loadings, enabling up to ~30% higher prepreg productivity and energy efficiency and drop-in compatibility with existing thermoset processes
Product
ULTEM SU3102P is a reactive polyetherimide (PEI) oligomer for thermoset composites used in primary and secondary aerospace structures (wings, fuselage frames, spoilers, interiors) and was a Gold winner at the 2026 Edison Awards.
Performance
Enables thermoset loadings up to 50 wt% versus 7–12% typical for reactive polyethersulfone (rPES) and improves toughness-to-stiffness balance by up to 140% compared with rPES, increasing impact resistance and part durability.
Processing and compatibility
Maintains low formulation viscosity despite high loadings, supports consistent processing, is drop-in compatible with existing thermoset manufacturing processes, is compatible with a wide range of resin systems, and can raise prepreg productivity and energy efficiency by up to ~30%.
Properties and availability
Preserves ULTEM characteristics—strength, inherent flame retardance, high heat and chemical resistance, and low coefficient of thermal expansion—and is available globally for sampling and commercial supply.
