PEEK Material Specifications and Applications

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance engineering plastic known for its outstanding resistance to high temperatures, chemical corrosion, high strength, and self-lubrication. With a broad range of specifications and applications, PEEK is widely used in aerospace, medical, electronics, and automotive industries. Below is a detailed overview of PEEK material specifications.

1. PEEK Rod Specifications

PEEK rods are one of the most common forms and are widely used in mechanical components, precision instruments, and medical devices.

• Diameter Range: 3 mm to 200 mm

• Length Range: 1000 mm to 3000 mm

• Color: Typically grey-brown or black

• Special Types:

• Glass Fiber Reinforced (GFR-PEEK): 3–200 mm diameter, 1000 mm length. Ideal for enhanced impact strength and dimensional stability.

• Carbon Fiber Reinforced (CFR-PEEK): 3–200 mm diameter, 1000 mm length. Used in aerospace and high-performance sports gear.

• Medical Grade PEEK: 3–200 mm diameter, 1000 mm length. Suitable for biocompatible medical implants.

2. PEEK Sheet Specifications

PEEK sheets offer excellent dimensional stability and heat resistance, making them ideal for insulators, seals, and structural components.

• Thickness Range: 5 mm to 100 mm

• Width Range: 500 mm to 1250 mm

• Length Range: 1000 mm to 3000 mm

• Color: Typically grey-brown or black

• Special Types:

• GFR-PEEK: For improved mechanical strength and heat resistance

• CFR-PEEK: Ideal for aerospace and structural applications

• Medical Grade PEEK: Biocompatible for implants and surgical tools

3. PEEK Tube Specifications

Due to its excellent chemical and thermal resistance, PEEK tubing is commonly used for seals, piston rings, and wear-resistant bushings.

• Outer Diameter Range: 1.6 mm to 620 mm

• Inner Diameter Range: 1.4 mm to 550 mm

• Length: 1000 mm

• Color: Typically transparent or light amber

4. PEEK Film Specifications

PEEK film is valued for its electrical insulation and heat resistance, making it ideal for electronics and insulation layers.

• Thickness Range: 0.025 mm to 0.125 mm

• Width Range: 600 mm to 710 mm

• Length Range: 0.5 m to 2 m

• Color: Transparent or light amber

5. PEEK Reinforced Materials

PEEK can be modified with various fillers to enhance performance:

• GFR-PEEK: Improved impact strength and dimensional stability

• CFR-PEEK: Increased rigidity and strength for aerospace and sports equipment

• Medical Grade PEEK: Enhanced biocompatibility and low toxicity for implants

6. Physical and Chemical Properties of PEEK

PEEK is a representative high-performance plastic thanks to its outstanding properties:

• High-Temperature Resistance: Tg 143°C, melting point 343°C, continuous use up to 260°C

• Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to most organic and inorganic chemicals (except concentrated sulfuric acid)

• High Strength: Excellent mechanical strength, toughness, rigidity, and fatigue resistance

• Self-Lubricating: Low friction coefficient, suitable for oil-free applications

• Flame Retardancy: Meets UL94V-0 standard at 1.45 mm thickness, low smoke emission

• Electrical Insulation: Stable electrical performance across a wide temperature and frequency range

7. PEEK Application Areas

Due to its versatile properties, PEEK is used across various industries:

• Aerospace: Precision parts and structural components

• Medical: Artificial joints, implants, and surgical instruments

• Electronics: Insulators, connectors, and wafer carriers

• Automotive: Clutches, transmission components, turbocharger impellers

• Food Processing: Valves, mixers, demolding machines

• Oil & Gas: Drilling tools, seals, sensors

8. PEEK Processing Methods

PEEK can be processed into various shapes and sizes through:

• Injection Molding: Suitable for both small and large batches

• Extrusion: Continuous production for rods, tubes, and films

• Compression Molding: Ideal for complex shapes

• Machining: Precision components with tight tolerances

9. PEEK Market Overview

Global demand for PEEK continues to grow, especially in emerging markets like China:

• Global Market: Europe is the largest market; North America and China are growing rapidly

• China Market: Third-largest consumer, with 2022 demand reaching 1,950 tons and a CAGR of 42.8%

• Pricing: Though PEEK is expensive, its unmatched performance makes it essential for high-end applications

10. PEEK Environmental and Safety Features

PEEK is known for being both safe and environmentally friendly:

• Non-Toxic: Stable molecular structure with low VOCs

• FDA Approved: Complies with FDA food contact standards

• Low Smoke and Toxicity: Meets UL94V-0, emits minimal smoke and harmful gases when burned

Summary

PEEK stands as a benchmark for high-performance engineering plastics due to its superior mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. With diverse specifications, it is suitable for numerous applications in aerospace, medical, electronics, automotive, and more. As global and Chinese markets expand, PEEK’s future looks bright for advanced manufacturing.