BASF expands Ultrason for E&E applications

Global chemicals firm BASF is expanding the application focus of its Ultrason portfolio for electrical and electronic (E&E) components used in AI-driven data centers, high-speed connectivity and e-mobility.

Its polyarylethersulfones (PAES) provide E&E manufacturers, OEMs and data centre operators with materials designed to maintain reliable operation, signal integrity and long service life while providing fire safety and thermal management. Ultrason E (PESU), Ultrason S (PSU) and Ultrason P (PPSU) combine high thermal resistance across a wide temperature range, electrical insulation, dimensional stability, inherent flame retardancy and chemical resistance, making them suitable for applications including fiber optic connectors (FOCs), cable jacketing, magnet wire insulation and thermal management components.

According to BASF, Ultrason can support equipment reliability, thermal management, miniaturisation, functional integration, energy efficiency and service life, while offering design flexibility through a range of colours. The materials can also serve as alternatives to polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyamidimide (PAI), combining high performance with processability and cost efficiency.

Kazuhiro Kida of Ultrason business management at BASF said the company is developing new grades and working with customers on material solutions for AI-driven E&E applications. BASF offers application-specific grade selection, part design support, injection moulding and extrusion expertise, a global expert network and material supply.

Its range of viscosity grades includes highly flowable materials for complex, thin-walled components and higher-viscosity grades for demanding extrusion applications.

For fibre optic connectors, Ultrason E combines stiffness and toughness, long-term thermal performance and high flowability for thin-wall designs, supporting compact connectors such as lucent (LC) and multi-fiber push-on (MPO) types. Ultrason P can be extruded for cable jacketing and insulation of aluminium and copper magnet wires operating in hot oil at temperatures up to 200°C, while its chemical resistance, flexibility and stable electrical insulation at high temperatures can make it an alternative to PFAS-containing polymers.

Ultrason materials are also used for cooling pipe fittings, manifolds and fan blades in data centers, electric vehicles and industrial cooling systems, where they provide long-term performance under thermal, chemical and mechanical demands.

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