PEEK is used in many areas, and in industry this is also due to its characteristics, which we will now look at.
WHAT IS PEEK AND HOW IT IS OBTAINED
Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a thermoplastic polymer of the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family, PEEK is a colourless, organic polymer obtained by step polymerisation.
The reaction most commonly used is the 300-degree reaction of difluorobenzophenone with the disodium salt of hydroquinone, which is generated by deprotonation with sodium carbonate.
The density of PEEK is 1320 kg/m³ and has a tensile strength of 90-100 MPa its thermal conductivity is 0.25 W/m-K (where K represents Kelvin).
PEEK has a glass transition temperature of approximately 143 °C. It is highly resistant to thermal degradation and the attack of organic and aqueous environments, is attacked by strong acids and halogens, and is sulphuric acid.
PEEK melts at high temperatures (343 °C), which is high compared to even other thermoplastic polymers, and can be processed by injection moulding
New research has led to this polymer being processed in filament form for 3D printing.
One of the key characteristics of this polymer is its robustness, and this makes it very suitable for demanding applications that require objects manufactured to withstand such things as ball bearings.
SOME IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS OF PEEK
PEEK has fantastic strength but that’s not all, let’s take a look at some of the main characteristics of this polymer:
- Peek is lighter than aluminium and has excellent insulating and dielectric properties
- has a low moisture absorption coefficient
- has a high resistance to X-rays and gamma rays
- Excellent machinability with machine tools
- flame-retardant and self-extinguishing
- very low flue gas density
- resistant to high and low temperatures
- excellent abrasion and wear resistance
- excellent relationship between rigidity, strength and resilience
PEEK in its usual state is machinable with milling cutters and is moulded to create high quality, high strength plastic parts as well as parts that are electrically insulating.
PEEK can also be reinforced with certain compounds by inserting small percentages of PTFE or graphite or carbon fibre. The addition of these compounds can improve the material’s strength and give it improved characteristics compared to polymer alone.
WHERE PEEK IS USED
PEEK is a technologically advanced polymer with excellent mechanical properties and fantastic chemical resistance.
It is used in many areas such as:
- Food: due to its characteristics, it has been approved by the EU and the US FDA for use in contact with food.
- Mechanical field: PEEK is used a lot in the mechanical field, as a component in car engines, gears, rollers, wear pads and many others. Its characteristics make it very suitable for the automotive sector
- Electrical: PEEK is used in the electronics and also in the semiconductor industry as it has excellent dielectric and insulating properties
- Biomedical field: PEEK is considered a biomaterial (which means that the polymer interfaces well with biological systems, e.g. living tissue, microorganisms or organisms) and is used in medical prostheses
The areas in which polymers like this are used are many more than those indicated, we could also add other areas such as chemical or nuclear, but we have chosen to give more space to those most used.
Due to its polyether ether ketone characteristics, it is widely used in industrial processes where robust, resistant and insulating components are desired.
