PEEK

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a polyaromatic semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer with mechanical properties consisting of repeating units of polyaryletherketone. It is synthesized by a condensation reaction and can be processed using a range of commercial processing techniques, including extrusion, compression moulding, roll forming, hydroforming, injection molding, and casting. PEEK is fully recyclable, both mechanically and as a raw material. Recycled PEEK can be in the form of powder, regrind, flake, and pelletized products. As a high-performance polymer, PEEK has become an indispensable material in the development of science and technology.

Alfa Chemistry is a leading global supplier of PEEK. We are committed to providing you with different specifications of high-quality PEEK to meet your scientific or industrial applications. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and let our experts guide you to find the perfect solution to drive your project to success.

How to Make PEEK

PEEK can be made by different synthetic methods, but a standard process is a step-growth polymerization generated by the dialkylation of the bisphenolate salts. In this process, 4,4'-difluorobenzophenone reacts with the disodium salt of hydroquinone, and the reaction proceeds in a polar aprotic solvent at a temperature of about 300°C to complete the nucleophilic substitution reaction. The result is to form a robust material with exceptional properties.

Performance Characteristics

PEEK has a series of outstanding performance characteristics that set it apart from other materials. Some key characteristics include:

• High Temperature Resistance: PEEK exhibits remarkable thermal stability and can be used for long periods of time at 250°C without significant degradation. This property makes it suitable for manufacturing components that can work continuously at high temperatures.
• Outstanding Mechanical Properties: PEEK has a high tensile strength and can withstand heavy loads and mechanical stresses, so it is suitable for structural components and applications that require high strength and durability.
• Hydrolysis Resistance: PEEK can withstand chemical damage from water or high-pressure water vapor. Under high temperature and pressure conditions, PEEK components can operate seamlessly in an aqueous environment while still maintaining good mechanical properties.
• Chemical Resistance: PEEK exhibits excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals. Even in the presence of aggressive substances, it remains stable and unaffected. Under normal conditions, only concentrated sulfuric acid can dissolve PEEK.
• Excellent Friction and Wear Resistance: PEEK can maintain high wear resistance and low friction coefficient under various conditions of pressure, temperature, speed and relatively rough contact surface.

Applications

PEEK has a wide range of applications, including but not limited to the following.

• Aerospace Industry: PEEK mainly replaces aluminum and other metallic materials to manufacture various aircraft parts, thereby reducing the fire hazard level of aircraft. PEEK can also be used to manufacture fuel filters, bolts and nuts.
• Medical and Healthcare Industry: PEEK can withstand up to 3000 cycles of autoclaving at 134°C. Therefore, it is widely used in the medical and healthcare fields, and can be used to manufacture orthopedic implants, spinal implants, dental devices and surgical instruments.
• Automotive Industry: PEEK's good friction resistance and mechanical properties make it possible to replace stainless steel and titanium alloys to prepare automotive components such as, engine inner covers, bearings, bushings, gaskets, seals, etc.
• Mechanical Engineering Industry: PEEK is commonly used in the manufacture of compressor gears, valves, piston rings, seals, and various chemical pumps and valve components.

Our Products

Alfa Chemistry provides customers with PEEK in different material forms. The specific products are as follows:

PEEK Sheets & Rods

PEEK Films

PEEK Granules & Powders

PEEK Tubes