A very high temp specialty resin
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), also referred to as polyketones, is obtained from aromatic dihalides and bisphenolate salts by nucleophilic substitution. The bisphenolate salt is formed in situ from bisphenol and either added sodium or added alkali metal carbonate or hydroxide, by the Williamson ether synthesis.
PEEK is a semicrystalline thermoplastic with extraordinary mechanical properties. The Young’s modulus is 3.6 GPa and its tensile strength 90 MPa. PEEK exhibits two glass transition temperatures at around 140°C (284°F) and around 275ºC (527°F), depending on cure cycle and precise formulation. PEEK melts at around 350°C (662°F) and is highly resistant to thermal degradation. The material is also resistant to both organic and aqueous environments, and is used in bearings, piston parts, pumps, compressor plate valves, and cable insulation applications. It is one of the few plastics compatible with ultra-high vacuum applications.
PEEK is considered an advanced biomaterial used in medical implants, often in reinforced format using biocompatible fibre fillers such as carbon. Also in carbon fibre reinforced form, PEEK has come under consideration as an aerospace structural material due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. Electronic circuitry also has a high demand for PEEK's large temperature range.
PEEK
