C2185B

C2185B is the designation given to a high‑molecular‑weight, semi‑aromatic thermoplastic polymer first synthesized in the early 2020s by the polymer research group at the University of Sheffield. The polymer is produced by the polycondensation of a substituted benzene derivative with a chain‑linking diacid, resulting in a linear carbon backbone with alternating aromatic and aliphatic segments. Its nominal molecular weight is approximately 23,800 g/mol and it displays a glass transition temperature around 55 °C and a tensile strength of 85 MPa, making it suitable for high‑performance structural applications.

The research team identified the polymer’s improved mechanical properties and lower density compared to conventional polyesters as key advantages for aerospace composites. Subsequent studies have examined the material’s resistance to UV radiation, high temperature, and chemical solvents. In 2025, a consortium of European aerospace firms entered into a partnership to evaluate C2185B as a matrix resin in sandwich composite panels intended for flexible solar‑panel assemblies on satellite platforms.

In addition to aerospace, preliminary biomedical tests have indicated good cytocompatibility and potential use in load‑bearing orthopedic implants. The polymer is also being investigated for use in progressive ion‑exchange membranes for lithium‑sulfur batteries due to its ability to provide both mechanical support and ionic conduction pathways.

C2185B remains subject to ongoing research, and standardization efforts are under way to ensure reproducibility and safety in its large‑scale production.