= Polysulfone
\b[Polysulfone] is a <polymer> containing <sulfone> linkages in its main chain. The local linkage has a sulfur bonded to two oxygens and to carbon-containing groups, schematically $\mathrm{-R-S(=O)_2-R'-}$. In common aromatic polysulfones, the <polymer backbone> also contains <aromatic rings> and ether linkages. The local sulfone motif is one part of the full <repeat unit>.
A concrete materials example is the PSU family of amorphous <thermoplastics> identified in BASF's technical information. The same source separately identifies <polyethersulfone> and <polyphenylsulfone>, showing why related sulfur-containing polymer names should not be treated as interchangeable names for one repeat structure.<Ultrason E, S, P product information by BASF>[Product range: distinct PSU, PESU and PPSU families; brochure printed p.10, corresponding structural-family labels.]{ref}
The distinction is useful when relating <chemical structure> to measured material behavior. Finding a sulfone group does not, by itself, specify the spacing of <aromatic rings>, the other backbone links, the chain length or added components. Two samples can share that local group while differing in their <glass transition> and mechanical response. A complete material description therefore needs more than the name of one functional group.
Back to article page
