Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its exceptional mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. It belongs to the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family and is widely used in demanding applications across various industries. Let’s explore the key features and applications of PEEK:

Key Features:

1. High Temperature Resistance: PEEK exhibits excellent thermal stability, with a glass transition temperature (Tg) around 143°C (289°F) and a melting point above 340°C (644°F). It retains its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for use in high-temperature environments.

2. Mechanical Properties: PEEK offers outstanding mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, stiffness, and creep resistance. It also maintains its properties under load and exhibits low friction and wear characteristics.

3. Chemical Resistance: PEEK demonstrates excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, solvents, and hydrocarbons, making it suitable for use in harsh chemical environments.

4. Biocompatibility: PEEK is biocompatible and commonly used in medical implants and devices due to its compatibility with the human body, excellent sterilizability, and low tissue reaction.

5. Electrical Insulation: It has excellent electrical insulation properties, making it suitable for electrical and electronic applications where high temperatures and harsh environments are present.

6. Dimensional Stability: PEEK exhibits low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and excellent dimensional stability over a wide range of temperatures, ensuring tight tolerances and precision in molded parts.

7. Radiation Resistance: PEEK offers resistance to gamma radiation and other forms of ionizing radiation, making it suitable for applications in nuclear and medical imaging equipment.

Applications:

1. Aerospace: PEEK is used in aerospace applications such as aircraft components, engine parts, and structural components due to its lightweight nature, high temperature resistance, and mechanical properties.

2. Medical Devices: It finds applications in medical implants, surgical instruments, dental implants, and orthopedic devices due to its biocompatibility, sterilizability, and mechanical properties.

3. Oil and Gas: PEEK is utilized in oil and gas exploration and production equipment such as seals, bearings, valves, and pump components due to its chemical resistance, wear resistance, and high temperature performance.

4. Automotive: PEEK is used in automotive applications such as piston parts, valve seats, bearings, and electrical connectors due to its high temperature resistance, mechanical properties, and chemical resistance.

5. Electronics: It finds applications in electrical and electronic components such as connectors, insulators, and sensor housings due to its electrical insulation properties and resistance to high temperatures.

6. Industrial Manufacturing: PEEK is used in various industrial applications such as gears, bushings, seals, and wear components due to its high mechanical strength, wear resistance, and dimensional stability.

7. Food Processing: It finds applications in food processing equipment such as seals, bearings, and wear components due to its FDA compliance, chemical resistance, and sterilizability.

Overall, Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a high-performance engineering plastic with a wide range of applications across industries, offering a combination of high temperature resistance, mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility.