High-performance material for extreme thermal and mechanical requirements
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance thermoplastic belonging to the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family. The material is characterized by exceptional temperature resistance, outstanding mechanical properties, and excellent chemical resistance. PEEK is primarily used in applications where standard plastics reach their performance limits.
PEEK exhibits very high mechanical strength and stiffness. These properties are largely retained even at elevated temperatures, making the material well suited for demanding applications. A key characteristic of PEEK is its excellent temperature resistance. The material can be used continuously at temperatures of approximately 240 to 260°C (464 to 500°F) and has a melting point of approximately 340°C (644°F).
The material also offers excellent chemical resistance, withstanding exposure to many acids, bases, and organic media, even at elevated temperatures. PEEK exhibits very low moisture absorption (typically below 0.5%), helping to maintain dimensional accuracy and stability even in humid environments. In addition, PEEK provides high dimensional stability and good tribological properties, making it well suited for dynamic and wear-intensive components.
Applications of PEEK:
PEEK is primarily used for highly stressed engineering components, particularly in applications involving high temperatures and aggressive media. Due to its good sliding and wear properties, the material is also suitable for bearing and guide applications under demanding operating conditions. In such applications, PEEK compounds are typically used, as the tribological properties of unfilled PEEK are not always sufficient to meet the required performance levels.
In the aerospace industry, PEEK is used for high-performance structural components because it offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and maintains its properties even under extreme operating conditions. In medical technology, PEEK is utilized for implants and surgical instruments due to its biocompatibility and excellent chemical stability.
Typical application areas:
- Highly stressed engineering components
- Plain bearings and wear components (typically manufactured from PEEK compounds)
- Components for aerospace applications
- Implants and surgical instruments
- Replacement of metal components to reduce weight, improve chemical resistance, or provide electrical insulation
Properties of PEEK at a glance:
- Excellent temperature resistance (continuous service temperature of approximately 240 to 260°C [464 to 500°F])
- High mechanical strength and stiffness
- Good electrical properties
- Favorable sliding and wear characteristics
- Excellent hydrolysis resistance
- High radiation resistance
- Good chemical resistance
- Low water Absorption
- High dimensional stability and dimensional accuracy
Technical properties of PEEK:
| Properties | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Beige opak | |
| Density | g/cm³ | 1,31 |
| Tensile strength | N/mm² | 116 |
| Yield elongation | % | 5 |
| Elongation at break | % | 49 |
| Compressive Modulus | MPa | 3400 |
| Flexural strength | MPa | 175 |
| Hardness | Shore D | 89 |
| Thermal conductivity at 23°C | W / (k * m) | 0,25 |
| Maximum continuous service temperature (20,000 h) | °C | 260 |
| Maximum short-term service temperature | °C | 300 |
| Volume resistivity | Ω * cm | 1015 |
| Surface resistivity | Ω | 1015 |
Material datasheet available for download:
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