Extem XH: Properties, Uses & Cost Guide
Tensile data verified against MatWeb.com database & manufacturer datasheets · Last updated July 2026
Published: 2026-06-10
SABIC Extem XH represents the highest-temperature melt-processable thermoplastic commercially available, with a continuous service temperature of 310 °C — exceeding PEEK (260 °C), Torlon PAI (260 °C), and even Vespel PI (300 °C). It is an...
SABIC Extem XH represents the highest-temperature melt-processable thermoplastic commercially available, with a continuous service temperature of 310 °C — exceeding PEEK (260 °C), Torlon PAI (260 °C), and even Vespel PI (300 °C). It is an amorphous thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) that combines the thermal stability of polyimide with the processing advantages of thermoplastics — injection moldable, recyclable, and weldable, unlike thermoset polyimides which require compression molding or machining from stock shapes.
Extem XH is targeted at the most extreme applications: semiconductor wafer handling rings (300 °C+ chamber components), aerospace engine peripherals (replacing aluminum and titanium in non-structural roles), and oil & gas downhole connectors (sour gas at 250 °C+ with 10,000+ psi). Its inherent flame retardancy (UL 94 V-0 without additives) and extremely low outgassing (NASA ASTM E595 passed) also qualify it for spacecraft applications.
While the unfilled grade (XH1015) offers the highest continuous temperature, glass-filled grades (XH2315, 30% GF) provide increased stiffness with a slight thermal trade-off. Processing demands are extreme: melt temperature 380-420 °C, mold temperature 180-220 °C, requiring specialized high-temperature injection molding with ceramic heaters, oil-heated molds, and corrosion-resistant barrels.
Resin cost is approximately 5-8× PEEK and 3-5× PAI, and the specialized equipment further limits adoption. Extem XH is reserved for applications where no other melt-processable thermoplastic can survive the thermal environment.
Recommended Applications
Extem XH Thermoplastic Polyimide is commonly specified for:
⚠ Not Recommended For
Extem XH Thermoplastic Polyimide is not recommended for:
- Moisture absorption applications without sealing (Vespel PI absorbs 1-3% moisture — dimensional stability affected)
- Cost-sensitive applications where PAI or PEEK suffices (PI is 5-10× the cost of PEEK)
- Continuous service in strong bases above 200°C (use PBI for extreme alkaline resistance)
Technical Properties
| Density | 1.48 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 90 MPa |
| Melting Point | N/A (Amorphous, Tg 267 °C) |
| Shrinkage Rate | 0.5-0.7% |
| Flexural Modulus | 4.0 GPa |
| Hdt | 280 °C at 1.82 MPa |
| Continuous Service Temp | 310 °C |
| Flammability | UL 94 V-0 at 0.75 mm, inherently FR |
Engineering Tool: Shrinkage & Cost Estimator
Calculate part weight, mold cavity dimensions accounting for shrinkage, and material cost — all locally in your browser.
Equivalents & Cross-References
| Equivalent / Alternate | Action |
|---|---|
| Sabic Extem XH1015 | |
| Sabic Extem XH2315 (30% GF) | |
| DuPont Vespel TP |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Extem XH compare to Vespel (thermoset PI)?
Extem XH has a 10 °C higher continuous service temperature (310 °C vs 300 °C) but lower compressive strength. Extem is injection moldable into complex net-shape geometries — Vespel must be machined from compression-molded stock. Extem is also weldable and recyclable. For complex parts at volume, Extem wins; for ultra-high-precision bearing surfaces in small volumes, Vespel remains superior.
What injection molding machine specs are needed for Extem XH?
Extem requires: barrel capable of 420 °C with ceramic heater bands, corrosion-resistant alloys (Hastelloy or CPM-9V), oil-heated mold to 220 °C, and hot runner system rated for 420 °C. Only a small number of specialty molders globally have this capability — mostly serving the semiconductor and aerospace industries.
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References & Industry Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Engineering Plastics & Thermoplastics. astm.org
- UL Prospector. Plastics & Elastomers Material Database. ulprospector.com
- MatWeb. Material Property Data for Engineering Thermoplastics. matweb.com
- ISO 1043. Plastics — Symbols and Abbreviated Terms. iso.org