“Radel” polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) resin from Solvay Specialty Polymers (Alpharetta, Georgia / USA; www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com) has been utilised in the production of a high-pressure impeller developed by high-performance miniature blower and fan producer MUS International (Jiangsu / China; www.mus-intl.com). The company said the thermoplastic delivers high strength, toughness and improved stress crack resistance in the application and replaces competitive materials such as modified polyphenylene ethers (PPE).

The Chinese manufacturer also selected the material as its biocompatibility makes it suitable for use in a range of medical applications. The blowers are used in medical products such as ventilators and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines for sleep apnea patients and other applications including fuel cells, air sensors and packaging machines.

MUS International has said it plans to use the material for injection-moulded impellers for most of its range of blower products. The impellers range in size from 34-48 mm in diameter and consist of an impeller base on to which a top section is ultrasonically welded.