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

BASF expands Ultrason portfolio application to E&E parts in AI infrastructure like fiber optical connectors (FOC). (Source: BASF)

Ultrason polyarylethersulfones (PAES) includes transparent thermoplastics Ultrason E (PESU), Ultrason S (PSU) and Ultrason P (PPSU). They are ideally suited for fast-developing applications such as fiber optical connectors (FOC), cable jacketing, magnet wire insulation, and thermal management parts.

More design and processing flexibility

Driven by AI, cloud computing and high-speed connectivity, electronic components are becoming smaller, more integrated and exposed to increasing thermal, mechanical and electrical stresses. As a result, advanced materials play a critical role in ensuring the long-term reliability of E&E systems for data transmission and power distribution.

Ultrason combines high thermal resistance over a wide temperature range, good electrical insulation, excellent dimensional stability, inherent flame retardancy, and outstanding chemical resistance.

It helps to improve equipment reliability and thermal management, to advance miniaturization and functional integration as well as to enhance energy efficiency and service life.

Furthermore, it supports flexible design based on versatile colorability from translucent to opaque colors.

Ultrason is thus an alternative to polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyamidimide (PAI) for demanding E&E applications, combining high performance with excellent processability and cost efficiency.

Fiber optical connectors for AI data centers

The ongoing miniaturization of fiber optic connectors (FOC) requires materials that combine precision, robustness and processability.

Ultrason E supports advanced FOC designs through a unique balance of stiffness and toughness, excellent long-term thermal performance and high flowability for thin-wall geometries.

This enables manufacturers to maintain reliable connector performance while supporting efficient production of increasingly compact and complex components, including lucent connectors (LC) and multi-fiber push-on (MPO) connectors in different colors.

Cable jacketing, electric cable and magnet wire insulation for power and data transmission

Reliable power and data transmission via transformers used in data centers and electric vehicles is increasing the technical requirements for cable materials. Ultrason P can be processed efficiently by extrusion and is suitable for cable jacketing as well as insulation of aluminum and copper magnet wires operating in hot oil at temperatures up to 200°C.

With its high chemical resistance, flexibility, and stable electrical insulation under high temperatures, the BASF-PPSU can also replace PFAS containing polymers used for cable jacketing and wire insulation.

Fan blades, fittings and manifolds for efficient thermal management

Efficient thermal management requires materials that reliably withstand demanding thermal, chemical and mechanical conditions. In data centers, electric vehicles and industrial cooling systems, Ultrason provides long-term performance and durability for cooling pipe fittings, manifolds and fan blades.