PEEK (Polyether ether ketone)

Details.

Polyether ether ketone is a one-of-a-kind semi-crystalline thermo-plastic material. It offers an incredible chemical resistance and excellent properties.

For example, one of its main characteristics is the incredible resistance to high temperatures. Application range of temperature of PEEK goes up to 260°C continuously and up to 341°C for melting point.

Its physical characteristics are amazing too. Polyether ether ketone assures a high mechanical resistance, flexural strength and bending strength, which keep performing in critical circumstances, such as in contact with hot water or steam.

One of weakness of Polyether ether ketone is its price, which is unfortunately really higher compared to other thermoplastic materials. Its price is anyway reasonable if we think at the numerous advantages it can offer in different applications.

PEEK properties and characteristics

When we talk about Polyether ether ketone we cannot only think at its resistance at high temperatures, as written before. In addition to that we could say that PEEK is a perfect synthesis of a various range of characteristics:

• Mechanical properties. We can underline its tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, creep resistance and shock resistance.
• A great combination between lightness and hardness;
• Wear and sliding properties. We have a high range of materials with good wear resistance and sliding properties, although that, at high temperatures there is only one that can resist. A higher grade in case of need is PEEK -SL (with additives).
• Dimensional stability. Low water absorption and low coefficient of linear thermal expansion let PEEK become one the most stable thermoplastic materials.
• Auto extinguish. Polyether ether ketone is considered fire resistant according UL94 V0. It means that in a period of 10 seconds. After repeated flaming: 50 seconds, flaming drips are not admissible.

Chemical resistance.

Thank to its composition, PEEK is highly resistant to thermal degradation and to a wide range of acids.

Among them we can say that it resists contact with organic solvents, oils, weak acids and alkalis, and can maintain its properties in contact with a wide range of temperatures and concentrations.

However, it can be attacked by halogens, strong acids and aliphatic hydrocarbons at high temperatures. It is soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature and the speed of dissolution in any case depends on the surface area / volume ratio of the component.

PEEK also has a high resistance to biodegradation and a low tendency to swell, discolour or break.

Miscellaneous information.

PEEK is safe for food contact, it is FDA approved and it can be certified according EC 1935/2004, EC 2023/2006 and EU 10/2011.

Depending on the producer, PEEK can also count on these certifications: ISO 10993, USP Class VI, FAR 25.853, MIL-P-46183, ISO 23936-1 and NORSOK M-710.

PEEK most famous brand name.

Our PEEK exclusively comes from the main European Producers (Germany, Austria and Italy), which can certify their production from Victrex or Solvay masterbatches.

PEEK is available in sheets, rod and tubes and most famous brand name are:

• Zellamid 1500
• Tacapeek
• Sustapeek
• Ketron Peek.

PEEK in few words.

Special properties:

• Superior mechanical resistance, hardness and toughness;
• High dimensional stability;
• Good wear resistance;
• Good sliding properties;
• Food safe.

Used in:

• Electrics and micro-chip;
• Automotive;
• Aerospace;
• Food and Pharma Packaging;
• Food Processing.

Applications:

• Bushings;
• Seals;
• Valves;
• Pumps components.