PEEK
INTRODUCTION TO PEEK
Polyetheretherketone, also known as Peek, has been mass produced since 1962. It is a thermoplastic poly-condensate.
However, PEEK is a rather costly material, often used together with glass or carbon fibers, where high mechanical and thermal properties are required. So what are the reasons to use PEEK?
EXCEPTIONAL THERMAL PERFORMANCE
Customers use PEEK in high temperature applications where other fibres are unable to cope. PEEK performs well at operating temperatures up to 250°C and retains some properties at 300°C. It has low flammability, is self extinguishing and evolves the lowest level of smoke and toxic gases of any high tech fibre.
EXCEPTIONAL CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
customers use the chemical stability of PEEK to upgrade their processes. PEEK is insoluble in common organic solvents and has excellent resistance to alkalis and acids. It has very low moisture uptake and outstanding hydrolysis resistance, particularly in high temperature stream.
EXCEPTIONAL FLEX AND WEAR RESISTANCE
Customers benefit from a much longer component life, often in more rigorous running conditions. PEEK is tough yet flexible and has excellent impact/recovery characteristics especially when compared to steel
AND IT IS RECYCABLE
Not only does PEEK outlast existing fibres but it can often be fully recycled. In fact more than half of all fabrics woven with PEEK alone qualify for recycling and up to 90% of the material in these fabrics can be efficiently reclaimed to first grade polymer. This means that PEEK offers substantial economic and environmental benefits.