What is Polyetheretherketone PEEK?

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-quality engineering plastic renowned for its ability to operate under high temperatures, in water, and steam environments. PEEK is a relatively new polymer in many regions but is rapidly gaining popularity due to its dimensional stability and robustness. It often replaces polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in applications requiring harder materials with superior wear resistance and load-bearing capabilities. PEEK maintains its mechanical properties in aggressive chemical environments and can be produced with various additives to enhance its characteristics.

Key Features of Polyetheretherketone PEEK

• Thermal Stability: Maintains dimensional stability even at high temperatures.
• Flame Resistance: Non-flammable, self-extinguishing, and flueless.
• Radiation Resistance: Can withstand radiation exposure.
• Chemical Resistance: Resistant to hot water, steam, alkalis, salt solutions, alcohol, lubricants, and other chemicals.
• Mechanical Strength: Resistant to pressure with very good surface slippage and friction resistance.
• Electrical Insulation: Excellent electrical insulation properties across the temperature range.
• Balanced Properties: Combines rigidity, strength, and impact resistance.
• Low Thermal Expansion: Features a low linear thermal expansion coefficient.
• Homogeneous Material: Avoids admixtures and ensures uniformity.
• Tribological Performance: Offers very good tribological characteristics.
• Hygienic and Durable: Suitable for use in medical and food applications.

Applications

PEEK is extensively used in various industries, including:

• Electronics and Semiconductors: Precision parts, analytical equipment, and components of dialysis apparatuses.
• Aviation and Aerospace: Parts for vacuum pumps, valve elements, cranks, and air-conditioning systems.
• Medical Industry: Artificial spinal vertebrae, components for medical devices, and dialysis equipment.
• Automotive and Transportation: Bearings, pistons, compressor gaskets, oil filters, and housing connections.
• Food Industry: Coffee filters, dispenser rings, and guides.
• General Industrial Applications: Electrical insulators, switches, sensors, sealing rings, and moulds.

Characteristics and Benefits

PEEK’s benefits include:

• Dimensional Stability: Maintains properties under high temperatures.
• Chemical and Corrosion Resistance: Resistant to various chemicals and environmental conditions.
• Mechanical Performance: High strength, rigidity, and impact resistance.
• Customizable: Available with additives like glass fiber, carbon fiber, ceramic fillers, and more for specific application needs.

Technical Specifications

• Density:
  • Standard PEEK: 1.32 g/cm³
  • With Additives: 1.41-1.50 g/cm³
• Operating Temperature:
  • Standard PEEK: -60°C to +250°C
  • Additives may alter temperature tolerance below 0°C
• Fire Class Rating: V0 (UL 94)
• Color Options: Light brown; available in black, grey, anthracite, whitish, and other colors depending on additives. Medical-grade PEEK can be red, yellow, green, grey, and other colors.

Parameters and Dimensions of Polyetheretherketone PEEK

	Thickness (mm)	Width (mm)	Length (mm)	Diameter, Ø (mm)
Sheets (extruded)	6 – 60	620; 1 000	2 000; 3 000	–
Rods	–	–	1 000; 3 000	6 – 200

Discover More

Polyetheretherketone PEEK is a crucial material for high-performance applications requiring thermal stability, durability, and chemical resistance.

Looking for additional materials? Explore our technical plastics catalog to discover a wider range of products tailored to your needs.