𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 : 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝐯𝐬. 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝐯𝐬. 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬

PEEK offers a unique combination of mechanical, chemical, electrical, and thermal properties. Knowing the distinctive features of PEEK is critical to help you select the right grade for your application. Let's take a look at the unique features of PEEK polymer.

𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

PEEK is a semi-crystalline, high-performance engineering thermoplastic.

Crystallinity imparts excellent resistance to a wide range of liquids. It also offers superb fatigue performance.

PEEK is insoluble in all common solvents and does not undergo hydrolysis.

Used for 1000 hours in steam or high-pressure water without significant property degradation. Hence, PEEK has an excellent sterilization resistance at high temperature.

Peek has good dimensional stability, inherent purity, and biocompatibility.

𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

#PEEK polymer shows excellent mechanical properties.

 

PEEK exhibits exceptional tensile properties, high strength, and toughness.

The polymer also exhibits excellent creep resistance. When combined with flexural & tensile characteristics, it provides an excellent balance of properties. For example, where the material is required to withstand high loadings for long periods at high temperatures without permanent deformations.

PEEK has a good flexural modulus at very high temperatures.

Manufacturing parts made with PEEK are lightweight. They can survive longer in harsh environments.

 

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

PEEK and its composites are suitable for high-temperature applications. These include aerospace, automotive, structural, electrical, and biomedical applications. The thermal properties which PEEK polymer exhibits include:

High Melting Point (Tm), 343°C

High Glass Transition (Tg) temperature, 143°C

High continuous service temperature, up to 260°C

 

𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

PEEK polymer exhibits high volume resistivity and surface resistivity.

PEEK maintains good insulating properties and environmental changes in a broad temperature range.

 

𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

PEEK has a V0 flammability rating down to 1.45 mm.

PEEK has a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 35%.

Its smoke emission and toxic gas generation is extremely low.

𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

Adding reinforcement to the PEEK polymer can improve the creep and fatigue resistance. It can further improve the thermal conductivity and heat distortion temperature. Some examples include:

Flexural modulus of the polymer can be improved by adding glass fibers and carbon fibers.

Tensile strength of 29000 psi can be achieved when reinforced with carbon fibers retaining properties at 299°C.

The table below lists the properties of unfilled vs. filled PEEK grades.

source : SpecialChem