PEEK is a semi crystalline thermoplastic with excellent mechanical and chemical resistance properties that are retained to high temperatures. The processing conditions used to mold PEEK can influence the crystalline and hence the mechanical properties. Its Young’s modulus is 3.6 GPa and its tensile strength is 90 to 100 MPa.[5] PEEK has a glass transition temperature of around 143 °C (289 °F) and melts around 343 °C (662 °F). Some grades have a useful operating temperature of up to 250 °C (482 °F).[3] The thermal conductivity increases nearly linearly with temperature between room temperature and solidus temperature.[6] It is highly resistant to thermal degradation,[7] as well as to attack by both organic and aqueous environments. It is attacked by halogens and strong Bronzed and Lewis acids, as well as some halogenated compounds and aliphatic hydrocarbons at high temperatures. It is soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature, although dissolution can take a very long time unless the polymer is in a form with a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, such as a fine powder or thin film. It has high resistance to biodegradation.
Excellent self-extinguishing, no need to add any flame retardant up to 5VA
Super high temperature resistant grade after glass fiber enhancement
Good self lubricity
Excellent resistance to oil and chemical corrosion
Good dimensional stability
Excellent resistance to creep and fatigue aging
Good insulation and sealing performance
High temperature disinfection
PEEK is used to fabricate items for demanding applications, including bearings, piston parts, pumps, high-performance liquid chromatography columns, compressor plate valves, and electrical cable insulation. It is one of the few plastics compatible with ultra-high vacuum applications, which makes it suitable for aerospace, automotive, electronic, and chemical industries.[8] PEEK is used in medical implants, e.g., use with a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for creating a partial replacement skull in neurosurgical applications.
PEEK is used in spinal fusion devices and reinforcing rods.[9] It is radiolucent, but it is hydrophobic causing it to not fully fuse with bone.[8] [10] PEEK seals and manifolds are commonly used in fluid applications. PEEK also performs well in high temperature applications (up to 500 °F/260 °C).[11] Because of this and its low thermal conductivity, it is also used in FFF printing to thermally separate the hot end from the cold end.
Field | Application Cases |
Automotive aerospace | Automobile seal ring, bearing fittings, engine fittings, bearing sleeve, air intake grille |
Electrical and electronic field | Mobile phone gasket, dielectric film, High temperature electronic element, high-temperature connector |
Medical and other fields | Medical precision instrument, Artificial skeletal structure, Electric cable pipe |
Material | Specification | SIKO grade | Equivalent to Typical brand & grade |
PEEK | PEEK Unfilled | SP990K | VICTREX 150G/450G |
PEEK Monofilament extrusion grade | SP9951KLG | VICTREX | |
PEEK+30% GF/CF(Carbon fiber) | SP990KC30 | SABIC LVP LC006 |