Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) is a High-performance thermoplastic polymer renowned for its exceptional mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties. With a melting point of 343°C (649°F) and continuous service temperature up to 260°C (500°F), PEEK outperforms most engineering plastics in demanding environments.
Key characteristics of PEEK include:
Mechanical Strength: Tensile strength of 90-100 MPa and flexural modulus of 3.6-4.1 GPa
Thermal Stability: Glass transition temperature of 143°C (289°F) and UL 94 V-0 flammability rating
Chemical Resistance: Resistant to most organic and inorganic chemicals except concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid
Wear Resistance: Coefficient of friction as low as 0.28-0.34 against steel
Dimensional Stability: Low moisture absorption (0.1-0.5%) and thermal expansion coefficient of 4.7×10⁻⁵/°C
Applications of High-Performance PEEK
The unique combination of properties makes PEEK suitable for mission-critical applications across industries:
Aerospace Components
PEEK replaces metal in aircraft components, reducing weight by 40-70% while maintaining strength. Applications include:
Electrical connectors and insulation with dielectric strength of 19 kV/mm
Fuel system components resistant to jet fuels and hydraulic fluids
Structural brackets with specific strength comparable to aluminum
Medical Implants
PEEK's biocompatibility (ISO 10993 certified) and radiolucency make it ideal for:
Spinal fusion devices with elastic modulus (3-4 GPa) matching human bone
Dental healing caps and abutments with >500 MPa compressive strength
Surgical instrument handles that withstand >1000 autoclave cycles
Industrial Equipment
In harsh industrial environments, PEEK demonstrates:
Pump seals lasting 5-10× longer than PTFE in chemical processing
Bearing cages with PV limit of 3.5 MPa·m/s in high-speed applications
Semiconductor wafer carriers with <0.01% particulate generation
Oil & Gas Exploration
Downhole tool components benefit from PEEK's ability to withstand:
Pressures up to 20,000 psi at 200°C
H₂S and CO₂ exposure without degradation
Mechanical loads in logging-while-drilling tools
Maintenance and Care of PEEK Components
Proper maintenance extends PEEK's service life and maintains performance:
Cleaning Procedures
Use isopropyl alcohol or mild detergents - avoid acetone and chlorinated solvents
Ultrasonic cleaning at <60°C for <10 minutes
For medical devices: follow validated sterilization protocols (steam, ethylene oxide, or gamma)
Storage Conditions
Store in original packaging at 15-30°C and 30-60% RH
Protect from UV exposure to prevent surface embrittlement
For critical applications, vacuum-seal with desiccant
Operational Considerations
Monitor wear in dynamic applications - replace at 0.5-1.0 mm wear depth
In high-temperature use, allow gradual cooling to prevent microcracking
For electrical applications, check dielectric properties after 5,000 hours service
Inspection Techniques
Visual inspection for surface crazing or discoloration
Dimensional checks against original specifications
FTIR analysis for chemical degradation if exposed to harsh media
