PEEK

PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) is a high-performance thermoplastic that belongs to the aromatic polyether ketones. It is known for its exceptional mechanical strength, high temperature stability, and chemical resistance, making it used in a wide range of demanding applications, from aerospace to medical. PEEK is often considered one of the best materials for applications requiring extreme environments.

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Producttype

Engineering plastics & Rubbers

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Technical description

PEEK is a semi-crystalline polymer composed of a repeating structural unit of ether and ketone groups, with aromatic rings that give it high mechanical strength and high temperature resistance. It has exceptionally good thermal stability and abrasion resistance, and it is often chosen for applications in extreme temperatures (up to 250°C) and aggressive chemical environments.

Because of its structural stability and processing capabilities, PEEK is often used in applications where other plastics are not suitable due to stress or environmental conditions.

Technical characteristics

Specific gravity
~ 1.30 g/cm³
Tensile strength
~ 90 – 120 MPa
Modulus of elasticity
~ 3.6 – 4.2 GPa
Elongation at break
~ 20% – 50%
Wear resistance
Very good
Melting point
~ 343 °C
Chemical resistance
Excellent – resistant to strong acids, bases, solvents, and solvents at high temperatures
Temperature range
-60 °C to +250 °C (briefly up to 300 °C)
Coefficient of friction
Low (can be further reduced by additives such as glass fiber)
UV resistance
Very good, compared to many other plastics
Electrical properties
Very good insulator, good resistance to electrical loads

Typical Applications

  1. Aerospace Industry:
    Structural components in aircraft and spacecraft such as bolts, nuts, brackets and gears. PEEK is widely used in hydraulic and fuel systems due to its high thermal stability and excellent chemical resistance.
  2. Medical applications:
    Medical implants (e.g., for joints, bones, and hips), suture and surgical instruments. PEEK is often chosen for biocompatibility, long life and high mechanical strength.
    Fittings for medical devices such as diagnostic devices and medical prosthetics.
  3. Automotive applications:
    Pump and engine parts such as valves, cover plates, and fuel systems. PEEK is used in automobiles because of its temperature resistance and wear resistance, especially for bearings, gears, and other critical components.
  4. Electronic applications:
    Insulation material for cables, connectors, and other electronic components. Because of its excellent electrical insulation and chemical resistance, PEEK is often used in the electronics industry for applications requiring high temperatures and chemical stress.
  5. Industrial applications:
    Wear-resistant parts such as gears, bearings, gaskets, and conductors in heavy industry. PEEK is often chosen for applications where high wear resistance and mechanical loads are important.

Comparison with other plastics (such as POM, PET, PEEK):

  1. PA
    1. Tensile strength: 70 – 100 MPa
    2. Modulus of elasticity: 2,5 – 3,5 GPa
    3. Temperature range: – 40 °C till +120 °C
    4. Application: Gears, bearings, textiles
  2. POM
    1. Tensile strength: 60 – 70 MPa
    2. Modulus of elasticity: 2,8 – 3,3 GPa
    3. Temperature range: – 40 °C till +120 °C
    4. Application: Mechanical parts, bearings
  3. PTFE
    1. Tensile strength: 20 – 30 MPa
    2. Modulus of elasticity: 500 – 800 GPa
    3. Temperature range: – 200 °C till +260 °C
    4. Application: Chemical industry, insulation, coatings
  4. PEEK
    1. Tensile strength: 90 – 120 MPa
    2. Modulus of elasticity: 3,6 – 4,2 GPa
    3. Temperature range: – 60 °C till +250 °C
    4. Application: Aerospace, medical applications

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