In-depth analysis of the performance, applications, and production technology of PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) film, PAEK (polyaryletherketone) film, and other special PPS film products.

In the field of high-end specialty films, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) film and PAEK (polyaryletherketone) film are widely used high-performance thermoplastic film materials. Both products, with their excellent high-temperature resistance, electrical insulation, and chemical corrosion resistance, have become core substrates in aerospace, high-end electronics, and new energy industries. Due to differences in molecular structure, PPS and PAEK films differ significantly in core performance, application scenarios, production processes, and overall costs. This article, written by Shanghai Harsom Advanced Materials Co., Ltd., a leading domestic PPS film manufacturer , combines mass production and R&D experience to systematically compare and analyze the core differences, application boundaries, production capacity and technological advantages, and material selection logic of PPS and PAEK films, providing industry clients with professional and practical material selection references.

I. Molecular Structure and Core Definition: Essential Differences Stem from Structure

(a) PPS film (polyphenylene sulfide film)

PPS is a linear polymer formed by alternating benzene rings and sulfur atoms. It has a regular molecular structure, high crystallinity, and combines rigidity and thermal stability. PPS films are manufactured through casting or biaxial stretching processes and are the mainstream choice for mid-to-high-end specialty insulating films, emphasizing "high cost-effectiveness + stable high performance".

(ii) PAEK film (polyaryletherketone film)

PAEK is a class of aromatic polymers with ether bonds (-O-) and ketone carbonyl groups (-CO-) as core linking units. Representative varieties include PEEK (polyether ether ketone) and PEKK (polyether ketone ketone). The stable conjugated aromatic benzene rings in its molecular structure endow it with ultra-high heat resistance, ultra-strong mechanical strength, and extreme weather resistance. It belongs to the ultra-high-end specialty films, with performance comparable to PI films (polyimide), but with better thermoplasticity and recyclability.

II. Core Performance Comparison: PAEK Leads Across the Board, PPS Offers Outstanding Price-Performance Ratio

(a) Key performance parameters (customer's core concern)

(II) Summary of Core Performance Differences

1. Heat resistance rating: PAEK film is 30–40°C higher than PPS film, and can operate stably at 250°C+ for a long time and withstand 300°C+ for short periods, making it suitable for ultra-high temperature scenarios such as aero-engines and semiconductor high-temperature processes; PPS film is stable at 220°C for a long time, meeting the normal high-temperature requirements of new energy vehicles and high-end electronics.
2. Stability: PAEK membranes exhibit extreme resistance to hydrolysis, radiation, and chemicals, with almost no performance degradation under high temperature, high humidity, strong corrosion, and strong radiation environments; PPS membranes demonstrate excellent stability, but their performance slightly decreases under extreme conditions (such as boiling water at 100℃ or strong radiation).
3. Mechanical strength: PAEK film has higher tensile strength and better tear and impact resistance, making it suitable for lightweight structural components and high-strength insulation applications; PPS film has strength that meets the needs of conventional industries and offers better cost performance.
4. Cost positioning: PPS film is positioned for "mid-to-high-end essential needs", with performance meeting standards and a moderate price; PAEK film is positioned for "ultra-high-end cutting-edge", with ultimate performance but a high price, and is only used in irreplaceable core scenarios.

III. Deep Differentiation in Application Scenarios: PPS focuses on mainstream high-end markets, while PAEK specializes in cutting-edge, essential needs.

(I) PPS film: Mainstay in the mid-to-high-end market, covering new energy, electronics, and industry.

1. High-end electronics (core application scenarios)

Applications: Insulating layer for 5G/6G base station FPC, cover film for smartphone foldable screen FPC, substrate for high-frequency circuit boards;

Value: 6–25μm ultra-thin profile, low dielectric constant, dimensionally stable, suitable for high-frequency and high-speed signal transmission, reduces losses, and costs only 1/3 of PI film.

2. New energy vehicles (fastest growing sector)

Applications: Power battery insulating pads, motor insulation systems, fireproof insulation layers for battery packs, high-temperature sensor substrates;

Value: 220℃ heat resistance, V-0 flame retardant rating, hydrolysis resistant, improves battery safety, and is suitable for harsh automotive-grade operating conditions.

3. Industrial and Electrical

Applications: Transformer/motor insulation, industrial tape substrate, high-temperature resistant electronic tags, capacitor film;

Value: High insulation, low water absorption, controllable cost, replacing traditional PET film and PI film, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

4. Aerospace (Entry-level)

Applications: Insulation layers for airborne electronic equipment; lightweight cable insulation;

Value: It can replace imported low-end PPS film, reduce weight by 30%, and has a lower cost than PI film.

(II) PAEK film: Essential for cutting-edge fields, covering aerospace, medical and semiconductor industries.

1. Aerospace (Core Cutting-Edge Scenarios)

Applications: Insulation around aircraft engines, lightweight structural components, high-temperature cable insulation, high-frequency substrates for airborne radar;

Value: 250℃+ long-term heat resistance, radiation resistance, lightweight, replaces metal and PI film, reduces weight by 40%+, suitable for high-altitude extreme environments.

2. Healthcare (High Value-Added Scenarios)

Applications: Medical catheters, implantable films (such as orthopedic repair films), and protective films for surgical instruments;

Value: Medical-grade biocompatibility, non-toxic, resistant to sterilization (high temperature and high pressure/ethylene oxide), X-ray permeable, suitable for human implantation and sterile medical settings.

3. Semiconductors and Precision Electronics

Applications: Protective film for high-temperature semiconductor manufacturing processes, insulating substrate for chip packaging, and core insulating layer for high-frequency millimeter-wave radar;

Value: Low dielectric constant, high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, suitable for semiconductor 250℃+ processes, improving chip reliability.

4. Extreme Industry

Applications: High-temperature sensors in oil fields, corrosion protection and insulation for chemical equipment, and radiation protection films for the nuclear industry;

Value: Resistant to extreme high temperatures, strong corrosion, and strong radiation; lifespan far exceeds that of PPS membranes, reducing equipment maintenance costs.

IV. Production Capacity and Technology Analysis: PPS Domestic Production is Mature, PAEK Achieves High-End Breakthrough

(a) PPS film: Domestic production capacity is sufficient, and the technology is comparable to that of imports.

1. Current Production Capacity Status (2026, Domestic)

Leading companies: Shanghai Harsom Advanced Materials (annual production capacity of 3,940 tons of ultra-thin PPS film, 6–25μm main products), Shenzhen Yutian New Materials, Zhejiang Xinhecheng (annual production capacity of 35,000 tons of resin + film integration), and Suzhou Yuemo New Materials.

Production capacity characteristics: There is an oversupply of low- and mid-range production capacity, while high-end ultra-thin (6–12μm) production capacity is scarce; Hesheng New Materials is the only domestic enterprise that has achieved large-scale mass production of 6–12μm ultra-thin PPS film, filling the domestic gap.

2. Core Technologies

Ultra-thin casting technology: solves the problems of easy breakage and uneven thickness of 6–12μm films, with a tolerance within ±0.5μm.

Biaxial stretching technology: Closed-loop control of stretching parameters improves dimensional stability (heat shrinkage rate ≤0.5%@200℃).

Modification technology: Nanofiller modification reduces the dielectric constant to 3.0, making it suitable for high-frequency applications.

(ii) PAEK membrane: scarce production capacity, high technical barriers, and accelerated domestic substitution.

1. Current Production Capacity Status (Global, 2026)

International giants: Victrex (global monopoly on PEEK membranes) of the UK, Solvay of Germany, and Mitsui Chemicals of Japan.

Domestic breakthroughs: Hesheng New Materials (the first domestic company to achieve mass production of PAEK film, with matching PPS film, focusing on aerospace/medical grade), Jilin Zhongyan Gaosu (PEEK resin + film).

Production capacity characteristics: Global production capacity is limited, and domestic production capacity is insufficient; PAEK membrane technology has high barriers to entry, equipment and processes rely on imports, and only a few companies have mastered mass production technology.

2. Core Technologies

Polymerization technology: We independently synthesize high-purity PAEK resin (PEEK/PEKK), control the molecular weight distribution, and ensure film stability.

High-temperature film formation technology: PAEK has a melting point of 340℃+, requiring dedicated high-temperature casting/stretching equipment with temperature control accuracy of ±1℃ to avoid degradation.

Purification technology: Medical-grade PAEK membranes require strict control of impurities, achieving a purity of 99.9% to meet biocompatibility requirements.

V. Selection Logic: Matching according to needs, balancing performance, cost, and supply chain.

(a) Scenarios where PPS film is preferred

Temperature ≤220℃, cost sensitive, requires large-scale supply;

5G FPC, insulation for new energy vehicle batteries/motors, and industrial electrical insulation;

Pursuing high cost-effectiveness, it aims to replace imported low- and mid-range PPS or PI films.

(ii) Scenarios where PAEK membranes are preferred

Temperature ≥250℃, extreme working conditions (strong corrosion/strong radiation/medical implantation);

Aero-engine peripherals, high-temperature semiconductor manufacturing processes, and implantable medical devices;

Performance is non-negotiable, the budget is sufficient, and long-term stable operation is required.

(III) Recommendations for Domestic Substitution

PPS membranes: Prioritize leading domestic companies such as Harsom Advanced Materials and NHU, whose performance is comparable to Toray and Solvay, with prices 20%–30% lower and stable supply.

PAEK membrane: For small-batch, high-end demand, you can choose Hesheng New Materials (the first domestic manufacturer to mass-produce it), which can replace imported brands such as Victrex. The delivery time is shortened from 4-8 weeks to 2-4 weeks, and the cost is reduced by 30%+.

VI. Summary of High-Performance Special Thin Films

PPS and PAEK films both belong to the category of high-performance specialty films, but they differ significantly in positioning, performance, applications, and cost: PPS film is the mainstream choice for mid-to-high-end applications, with heat resistance up to 220℃ and high cost-effectiveness, covering essential scenarios such as new energy, high-end electronics, and industry, and domestic production capacity is mature and technology is stable; PAEK film is the ultra-high-end and cutting-edge choice, with heat resistance up to 250℃+ and ultimate performance, specializing in irreplaceable scenarios such as aerospace, medical, and semiconductor, and domestic technological breakthroughs are accelerating import substitution.

In the future, with the upgrading of high-end manufacturing, PPS membranes will continue to expand their penetration rate in the fields of new energy and electronics, while PAEK membranes will gradually achieve domestic substitution in cutting-edge scenarios such as aviation and medical care. The synergy of the two membranes will help China achieve independent control over high-end materials.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PPS and PAEK membranes

1. Q1: What are the production capacity and delivery advantages of Shanghai Hesheng New Materials' PPS film?
2. A: The company has built its own complete biaxial stretching production line and simultaneously developed production capacity for two high-end specialty films: PPS film and PAEK film. It can not only undertake large-volume orders in China, but also supply foreign trade to Central Asia and Southeast Asia, and has outstanding capabilities in customizing various non-standard specifications.
3. Q2: What are the differences between PPS, PI and PTFE high-temperature resistant films from Hesheng New Materials, and how should one choose between them?
4. A: PPS has the best overall cost performance. It is resistant to chemical corrosion, almost non-absorbent, and can work continuously at 200℃. It is the mainstream material for automotive electronics and 5G communications. PI can withstand temperatures exceeding 260℃ for a long time, but it is expensive and is mostly used in extreme high-temperature environments in aerospace. PTFE has the strongest chemical resistance, but its mechanical strength is insufficient and its dimensions are prone to creep, so it cannot be used for precision insulation and high-frequency circuit substrates.
5. Q3: Is PPS film brittle? Will it crack or break after repeated bending?
6. A: PPS films prepared by biaxial stretching process have sufficient toughness and are not easy to crack after repeated bending; with the addition of improved heat setting process, the bending shape stability is better, which is suitable for the application scenarios of flexible insulating gaskets that require frequent bending.
7. Q4: What are the storage requirements for PPS film, and how long is its shelf life?
8. A: Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Do not place under heavy pressure or in direct sunlight. The original manufacturer has a 24-month warranty period for the whole roll. Once opened, use the roll within 6 months to prevent edge curling due to stress rebound.
9. Q5: When die-cutting PPS film, problems such as rough edges and curling edges of the roll often occur. How can this be properly resolved?
10. A: Match the cutting blade with appropriate hardness and slow down the die-cutting speed; give priority to using low-shrinkage heat-set film, and place it at a constant temperature before cutting to release the internal stress of the material, which can effectively eliminate warping and burrs.