PEEK (polyetheretherketone) offers the best combination of fatigue resistance and chemical resistance, which is similar to PPS (polyphenylene sulfide). However, PEEK can operate at higher temperatures and retains its mechanical properties at continuous-use temperatures up to 240°C (464°F), allowing it to replace metal in severe end-use environments.
Late in 2019, an even higher temperature version of PEEK was launched at K2019, the major European trade fair held in Dusseldorf. PEEK is considered one of the highest performing semi-crystalline thermoplastics commercially available.
This is possible as a result of a new polymer production technology from Solvay, the advanced materials and specialty chemicals company, headquartered in Brussels. Industries of interest for this new material include oil and gas, electrical/electronics, wire coatings and automotive.
PEEK XT base resins are produced in Solvay’s facility in Panoli, India. The company also has a specialty polymer resin unit in Augusta, Georgia in the U.S., significantly expanding its production capacity of PEEK.
KetaSpire PEEK XT offers the chemical resistance of standard PEEK, along with a glass transition temperature of 170°C (338°F), 20°C (36°F) higher than standard PEEK, as well as a 45°C (81°F) higher melting temperature. Although other high-temperature polyketones exhibit thermal properties on a par with PEEK XT, their chemical resistance is significantly inferior to all types of PEEK.
“We have been able to boost thermal and mechanical performance while maintaining PEEK’s ether-to-ketone ratio, which accounts for the polymer’s superior chemical resistance,” said Doug Brademeyer, ultra-polymers business manager for Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit.
A true PEEK polymer has a 2:1 ether-to-ketone ratio. All other high-temperature polyketones, which include polyetherketone (PEK), polyetherketone ketone (PEKK), and polyetherketone etherketone ketone (PEKEKK), have a different ratio.
PEEK XT tensile strength
The material exhibits significantly higher strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures versus standard PEEK, with a 400% higher tensile modulus and nearly 50% higher tensile strength at 160°C (320°F).
Looking for high-performing polyetheretherketones?
Prospector can help you find the products you need. Find technical data, request samples, and connect with global suppliers in just a few clicks.
Search on Prospector.
In addition, compared to standard PEEK, PEEK XT shows a major improvement in electrical properties at 250°C (482°F), increasing dielectric strength by 50% and volume resistivity by an order of magnitude.
Wear properties may be enhanced by adding carbon fibre and polymeric lubricants, such as PTFE. Torlon PAI offers the best high-temperature wear resistance. PEEK XT is available globally in neat, 30% glass fibre and 30% carbon fibre reinforced injection moulding and extrusion grades, as well as in fine powder form for compression moulding and as coarse powder for compounding. All exhibit improved processing, melt stability and high-temperature chemical resistance, compared to PEK, PEKEKK and PEKK.
The views, opinions and technical analyses presented here are those of the author or advertiser, and are not necessarily those of ULProspector.com or UL. The appearance of this content in the UL Prospector Knowledge Center does not constitute an endorsement by UL or its affiliates.
All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior authorization from UL or the content author.
The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. While the editors of this site may verify the accuracy of its content from time to time, we assume no responsibility for errors made by the author, editorial staff or any other contributor.
UL does not make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the content. UL does not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of sites listed or linked to in any content.
this is an interesting new development, really solidifying PEEK’s position at the top of the thermoplastic pyramid.
I agree I been use peek for many yrs .
Is this also available as an injection mouldeable material?