What Makes PEEK an Advanced High-performance Plastic?

Diversity in engineering applications calls for materials that can perform optimally over a wide range of temp conditions. One such material bearing the benefit of being a lightweight polymer in addition to bearing good properties at high and broad temperature ranges is Polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

In multiple domains of engineering, PEEK is used to achieve performance and demanding applications similar to that delivered by metals. Multiple applications demanding long-term pressure and wear excellent resistance along tensile strength with high performance such as those in the oil and gas industry can leverage all of the potential benefits that PEEK materials have to offer.

What Is PEEK?

Polyetheretherketone PEEK commonly referred to as PEEK is a colorless organic thermoplastic polymer with mechanical and chemical properties that suits wide-ranging engineering applications. It belongs to polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family of polymers.

It is generally manufactured through step-growth polymerization. PEEK is more expensive as compared to other polymers but offers superior performance along multiple dimensions. PEEK offers excellent wear and abrasion resistance that is desirable across multiple domains of engineering.

PEEK Materials Properties

Peek Polymers has chemical resistance properties along with physical properties, tensile strength, dimensional stability, hence the mechanical properties offer high temperature performance.

1. PEEK High temperatures resistance

PEEK with high performance engineering thermoplastic is a high temperature resistant advanced thermoplastic material.

As with high performance along with thermal conductivity even at very high temperatures PEEK can maintain high strength with operating temperature and can reach a high glass transition temperature of 143 degrees Celsius and melting point (334°C).

It can withstand short-term working temperatures of up to 300°C and continuously use high temperatures of 250°C. This is one of the reasons why PEEK materials can be used where heat resistance is a concern.

2. Good PEEK mechanical properties

PEEK has the best fatigue resistance of any resin, and the combination of excellent mechanical strength properties and fatigue resistance is the most outstanding of all plastics, with performance not inferior to that of some alloys with hence the mechanical properties. As the mechanical strength is continuous in all processing conditions.

3. PEEK Wear resistance and lubricity

PEEK polymers or polyetheretherketone peek and their composites all have excellent wear resistance, with some PEEK having extremely low coefficients of friction and wear.

Polyetheretherketone peek has excellent sliding characteristics, especially in the bearing field. Its own sliding properties greatly reduce the coefficient of friction or known as a low coefficient, allowing certain parts to operate without lubricants and also in media such as water, weak acids, and alkalis.

4. PEEK Chemical resistance (corrosion resistance)

Polyetheretherketone peek has a stable chemical resistance. It is chemically resistant to chemicals, acids, concentrated sulfuric acid, alkalis, organic solvents and other chemicals, and various atmospheres.

PEEK has corrosion resistance, corrosion resistance usually refers to the ability of the metal to resist the corrosive and destructive effects of surrounding media.

PEEK belongs to the field of Peek plastic and polymer materials, its material composition, chemical properties, organization and morphology determine it can improve intergranular corrosion, improve corrosion resistance, corrosion resistance and nickel steel are similar.

5. PEEK Flame resistant

PEEK is a linear aromatic semi-crystalline polymer with its own flame retardant properties.

Polyetheretherketone peek has been tested for flame retardancy (UL94 test, vertical burn rate test and self-extinguishing time test), and a 1.45mm sample without any additives has a burn rate of V-0, which is the highest flame retardancy level.

PEEK is used in building materials, vehicles and appliances that require high flame retardancy and aqueous environments.

6. PEEK Peel resistance

PEEK has good peel resistance. It can be used to make a very thinly wrapped wire or electromagnetic wire, cable insulation, which can be applied under harsh environments and conditions.

7. irradiation resistance

PEEK materials in the role of gamma radiation to maintain their original performance, the ability to resist gamma irradiation is very strong, many polymer materials after radiation can still maintain stable performance.

This is more than the general-purpose resin in the best resistance to irradiation of polystyrene. When it be made into γ irradiation dose of 1100Mrad can still maintain good insulation capacity of the high-performance wire.

8. Hydrolysis resistance

PEEK and its composites are not chemically affected by water and high-pressure water vapor, and products made from this material can maintain excellent properties when used continuously in high-temperature and high-pressure water.