PEEK (Polyarylethe-retherketone)
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INTRODUCTION
The Polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK™) materials are semi-crystalline, high purity polymers comprising of repeating monomers of two ether groups and a keytone group.
PEEK™ is characterised by excellent mechanical properties maintained to high temperatures.
PROPERTIES
Rigid opaque (grey) material with a unique combination of properties, which include exceptional chemical, wear, electrical and temperature resistance, as well as dimensional stability and numerous processing capabilities. |
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GRADES AVAILABLE
PEEK is available in a number of different grades and format dependant on the application and chosen processing method.
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Powder .... for Extrusion Moulding
Fine Powder .... for Powder Coating & Compression Moulding
Depth Filtered Pellets .... for Injection Moulding, Film production, Monofilament, Wire Coating and Extruding
Glass Fibre Reinforced Pellets .... for Injection Moulding
Carbon Fibre Reinforced Pellets .... for Injection Moulding & Extrusion
Tribological Compound Pellets .... for Injection Moulding & Extrusion (filled with Carbon fibre, PTFE & Graphite filled with carbon black)
Coloured Pellets .... for Extrusion & Injection Moulding
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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Tensile Strength 97-100 N/mm²
Notched Impact Strength 6.1 - 7.5 Kj/m²
Thermal Coefficient of expansion 47 x 10-6
Max Cont Use Temp 250 oC
Density 1.28 - 1.32 g/cm3
RESISTANCE TO CHEMICALS
Dilute Acid ****
Dilute Alkalis ****
Oils and Greases ****
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons ****
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ****
Halogenated Hydrocarbons ****
Alcohols ****
KEY * poor ** moderate *** good **** very good
For a more detailed look at the properties of PEEK please CLICK HERE
APPLICATIONS
PEEK™ polymer is used typically as a replacement for machined metals in a wide variety of high performance end-use applications. These range in diversity from components for cars, aircraft, industrial pumps, valves and seals, to silicon wafer carriers, connectors and sterilisable surgical instruments and in the medical implants market.
CURRENT CASE STUDIES
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AUTOMOTIVE
STE, Germany has developed a new cylinder head gasket based on a powder coating process that combines the high performance properties of VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer with PTFE.
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AEROSPACE
PEEK™ polymer monofilaments for protective braiding have specifically been developed to protect the electrical and hydraulic cables used in aerospace and associated.
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ELECTRICAL
PEEK™ polymer is the material of choice for a switching jack in a coaxial connector used in mobile telephones |
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INDUSTRIAL
Greene Tweed a world leader in high technology sealing innovation has developed a labyrinth seal made with a carbon fibre reinforced PEEK™ polymer composite. |
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MEDICAL
Eclipse Dental Manufacturing has successfully replaced aluminium with PEEK™ polymer for the finger and thumb grips on a self aspirating dental cartridge syringe.
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Victrex is the sole commercial manufacturer and supplier of aromatic polyketone thermoplastics that are sold under the brand name VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer. Annual capacity currently stands at 2,300 tonnes per annum, with a further increase of 500 tonnes on target for October 2003.
Formerly part of ICI, Victrex was bought by management in 1993, thereby establishing a new, independent company. Victrex plc was successfully floated on the UK stock exchange in December 1995 and today the company is recognised as an innovative, world-class high performance materials group. |
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From its sales, technical and production headquarters in Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, Victrex plc exports over 95% of PEEK™ polymer around the world to compounders, injection moulders, OEMs and end-users. In recognition of its outstanding achievement in international trade, Victrex plc has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise 2002. This is the company's third Queen's Award, the first being in 1987 and the second in 1997.
Victrex plc - company headquarters and site of its manufacturing facility - is located at Hillhouse International, Thornton Cleveleys, FY5 4QD, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 (0)1253 897700 Fax: +44 (0)1253 897701
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We are grateful to Victrex plc for their assistance in the preparation of this materials page. For more information click on www.victrex.com or email www.victrex.com or email victrexplc@victrex.com |
