Polyethersulfone (PES) was first developed in the early 1970s by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) while exploring high-temperature engineering plastics. This amber-transparent resin, with a glass transition temperature of 225°C, was quickly recognized as a heat-stable, flame-retardant, and steam-sterilizable specialty plastic. Its unique properties soon attracted attention from industries that required reliable, high-performance materials.
PES became widely used not in molded parts, but in membrane technology. By the late 1970s, ultrafiltration and microfiltration technologies were developing rapidly, requiring materials with high flow performance and strong mechanical properties. PES, with its good melt flow and tough yet non-brittle molecular structure, proved to be ideal for phase-inversion membrane production.
In the 1980s, the pharmaceutical industry needed 0.2 μm membranes that could combine high flow rates with effective microbial retention. PES filled the performance gap between traditional cellulose and PTFE membranes, offering low protein adsorption, easy hydrophilic modification, and high mechanical strength.
PES has been a trusted material in pharmaceutical filtration for decades.
1984: The first 0.22 μm PES filters were launched in Europe and the US for penicillin and cephalosporin sterile filtration.
1990s: Disposable syringe filters like Millex® and Stericup® replaced traditional glass filters, making liquid preparation faster and easier.
2000s: Sartorius introduced the Sartopore® 2 series with dual-layer PES technology, becoming the "gold standard" for high-flow sterile filtration.
Recent years: PES has expanded from liquid to gas sterile filtration, with hydrophobic PES filters used in single-use systems and gamma-irradiation processes.
PES offers key advantages that make it suitable for both medical and industrial applications:
High Flow and Retention: Asymmetric membrane structure ensures efficient microbial retention on the upper layer (<0.2 μm) while maintaining fast liquid flow in the lower layer (>0.5 μm).
Low Protein Binding: Aromatic sulfone structures reduce hydrophobic interaction. After hydrophilic treatment, protein binding is typically <50 μg/cm², reducing the loss of valuable products like monoclonal antibodies and enzymes.
Excellent Chemical and Heat Resistance: PES is stable in pH 1–14 environments and can withstand repeated steam sterilization at 121°C or high-pressure steam cycles at 134°C for 30 minutes ×100 cycles with minimal performance loss.
PES filters meet strict international standards. Since 1998, the US PDA-26 technical report recommended PES for bacterial challenge testing. Later, ASTM F838 and ISO 13408-2 included PES in their validation guidelines. Today, leading manufacturers provide full validation data, including bacterial retention, chemical compatibility, and extractables/leachables, ensuring compliance with GMP requirements for sterile pharmaceutical production.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, PES is gaining popularity in water treatment, food processing, and environmental filtration due to its chemical resistance and long service life. As demand for high-performance filtration materials grows, PES will continue to expand its applications in industrial and environmental sectors.
With its heat stability, low protein adsorption, and excellent chemical resistance, PES is a reliable material for demanding medical and industrial applications. Its proven performance and long service life make it a preferred choice for high-value processes worldwide.
At Shengwen New Materials, we provide PES membrane-grade materials designed for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial filtration applications. Our materials offer stable quality, excellent chemical resistance, and consistent performance, making them ideal for producing high-flow, low-protein-binding, and durable filtration membranes.
As a trusted PES manufacturer, Shengwen is committed to supporting your projects with reliable raw materials and technical expertise. Contact us today to discuss your customized PES membrane material solution!
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