In the bright star of engineering plastics, PEEK (polyether ether ketone) material has been praised as the “Hexagonal Warrior” for its comprehensive and excellent performance. This metaphor not only depicts PEEK's balanced and excellent performance in a number of key attributes, but also recognizes its all-round status in the field of engineering materials. In the following section, we'll take a closer look at the “Hexagonal Warrior” qualities of PEEK and expand on its use in modern industry.
With a melting point of 340°C, PEEK can be used at a constant temperature of 260°C, with an instantaneous temperature resistance of more than 300°C. This high temperature resistance allows PEEK to be used in a wide variety of applications. This high-temperature resistance makes PEEK as a high-performance engineering plastic in aerospace, automotive manufacturing and other fields, replacing traditional metal materials. In the interior of aircraft engines and in automotive turbochargers, PEEK materials ensure the stability and reliability of components under extreme conditions due to their high temperature resistance properties.
Mechanical Strength
PEEK has excellent tensile, compressive and flexural strength. It is able to withstand high loads and stresses for extended periods of time without deformation or damage. This high strength characteristic makes PEEK widely used in mechanical parts and structural components of electronic equipment. Whether it's in the bearings of high-speed machinery or in the housings of precision instruments, PEEK guards the integrity and durability of the equipment with its indestructible strength.
Chemical Resistance
PEEK has good resistance to most chemicals and is insoluble in almost all solvents other than concentrated sulfuric acid. This makes PEEK a corrosion-resistant material used in chemical equipment, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and other areas for components such as pipes, valves, and pumps. In the harsh environment of the chemical industry, PEEK material protects equipment from chemical corrosion with its corrosion-resistant golden bell.
Wear resistance
The excellent wear resistance of PEEK materials allows them to be used in the manufacture of bearings, seals and other components that require a low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance. In the automotive, mechanical engineering and textile industries, the use of PEEK greatly increases the service life and reliability of components. the wear resistance of PEEK is like a radiant beacon, guiding industrial components through long periods of friction and wear and tear, while still maintaining their initial performance.
Biocompatibility
PEEK is extremely biocompatible, non-toxic, non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic and does not cause allergic reactions. These properties make PEEK an ideal material for medical devices and implants, such as artificial bones and dental implants. In the medical field, PEEK, with its excellent biocompatibility, has become a bridge between the human body and technology, bringing more hope and possibilities to patients.
Processing Performance
PEEK material is easy to process and can be molded by injection molding, extrusion, machining, 3D printing and many other methods. Its wide range of processing temperatures and short molding cycle time give PEEK an advantage in production efficiency and cost control. In the manufacturing assembly line, PEEK material with its ingenious processing performance, for the rapid molding of products and mass production to provide strong support.
The four main grades of PEEK materials:
1, Unfilled PEEK is the generic form of PEEK plastic, and therefore the most common grade. Unlike other grades, unfilled PEEK is very pure and is not reinforced with other components. Unfilled PEEK has the highest elongation, toughness (not to be confused with strength) and fatigue resistance of all PEEK grades. Unfilled PEEK meets FDA regulations and is approved for use in repetitive food contact and ex vivo medical applications. Unfilled PEEK is available in a variety of colors, but primarily white, light brown/tan and black.
2. 30% glass-reinforced PEEK, which reduces the expansion of PEEK and increases its flexural modulus. As a result, glass-reinforced PEEK is a stronger, stiffer version of the unfilled grades, making it ideal for structural applications where stability is required (especially in high-temperature environments). While glass-reinforced PEEK is stronger, it can be more abrasive when mated with other components. 30% glass-reinforced PEEK is available in natural/tan or black colors.
3. 30% Carbon Reinforced PEEK is impregnated with 30% carbon fiber, which increases its stiffness and compressive strength and significantly reduces its expansion rate. Carbon-filled PEEK is optimally formulated for wear resistance and load-bearing capacity, and its thermal conductivity is 3.5 times higher than unfilled PEEK. These properties make carbon-reinforced PEEK an ideal material for plastic bearings. 30% carbon-reinforced PEEK is black in color due to the introduction of carbon fibers.
4. Bearing grade PEEK varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but is typically impregnated with 20% PTFE and graphite reinforced carbon fibers. Bearing grade PEEK has the lowest coefficient of friction and the highest machinability of all PEEK grades, as well as excellent wear characteristics in mating, friction, and load-bearing applications. For these reasons, this PEEK grade is designated as a “bearing grade” because it is ideal for bearings in a wide variety of industries. Bearing grade PEEK is typically gray or black in color.
Future Prospects
With the continuous progress of science and technology and the continuous expansion of new application areas, PEEK material “hexagonal warrior” image will be more deeply rooted in people's hearts. From deep-sea submarines to space satellites, from precision medical equipment to everyday consumer goods, PEEK materials provide a solid material foundation for the development of modern industry with its comprehensive performance. We have reason to believe that in the future, PEEK materials will show its unique value in more fields, and bring more convenience and surprise to human life.
