PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)

Common Properties

Common Brand Names TECAPEEK®, Ketron®, SustaPEEK, Semitron™
Typical Thickness Size 0.04 - 4 inches
Typical Lengths 12 - 48 inches
Typical Widths 12 - 24 inches
Friendly Names PEEK Plastic, Polyetheretherketone
Common Profiles Sheet, Rod, Tube
Typical Rod Diameters 0.25 - 6 inches
Typical Rod Lengths 3 - 5 feet
Typical Tube Diameter 30 – 210 mm

Physical Properties

Density 1.2g/cm³
Water Absorption 0.2%
Moisture Absorption at Equilibrium 0.15%
Linear Mold Shrinkage 0.005mm/mm
Melt Flow 12g/10 min

Electrical Properties

Dielectric Strength 160 - 220kV/mm
Dielectric Constant 3.2 - 3.4
Dissipation Factor 0.001 - 0.003
Volume Resistivity 10^16ohm·cm
Surface Resistivity 10^16ohm/sq
Arc Resistance 120 - 160secs
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 150volts
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Sensitivity Moderate

Mechanical Properties

Hardness, Rockwell R 126Rockwell R
Tensile Strength, Ultimate 90MPa
Tensile Strength, Yield 70MPa
Elongation at Break 20%
Elongation at Yield 6%
Modulus of Elasticity 3.6GPa
Flexural Yield Strength 120MPa
Flexural Modulus 4.2GPa
Compressive Yield Strength 118MPa
Bearing Yield Strength 137MPa
Shear Strength 80MPa
Izod Impact, Notched 53J/m
Izod Impact, Unnotched 800J/m
Gardner Impact 27J
Falling Dart Impact 28J
Instrumented Impact Total Energy 49J/m

Thermal Properties

CTE, linear 47.0um/m/°C
CTE, linear, Transverse to Flow 150.0um/m/°C
Deflection Temperature at 0.46 MPa (66 psi) 160.0°C
Deflection Temperature at 1.8 MPa (264 psi) 152.0°C
Vicat Softening Point 325.0°C
Flammability V - 0UL94
Max Continuous Operating Temperature in F 500.0°F
Minimum Operating Temperature in F - 148.0°F
Thermal Conductivity 0.25W/m·K

Regulations

UL-94 Flame Class
FDA
NSF
USP Class VI
FAR 25.853 Flammability
D635 Self Extinguishing
RoHS Compliant
REACH Compliant

PEEK Plastic at Piedmont Plastics

PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic characterized by a unique combination of properties. This rigid material is one of the most widely used materials within the polyketone family of polymers and is typically manufactured in large scale quantities.

PEEK has a proven track record of performing well in harsh environments. Shop for PEEK plastic materials at Piedmont Plastics today and choose from a variety of specifications. You can also request to have your PEEK order cut-to-size and machined into fabricated parts to meet the requirements of your application.

Key Benefits and Properties of PEEK

PEEK is a semicrystalline thermoplastic with exceptional high temperature performance, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. It is capable of maintaining its stiffness at high temperatures and is suitable for continuous use up to 260°C (480°F). In addition, PEEK does not undergo hydrolysis and can be used for significantly long periods of time in areas where steam or water is common.

Despite the cost of PEEK, the added value of the material is offset by utilizing the advantages of manufactured PEEK parts. These parts are lightweight, strong, tough, and able to last longer in harsh environments compared to alternative materials. PEEK is also fully recyclable.

Common Applications and industries for PEEK

Thanks to the distinctive characteristics of PEEK, this material has become a go-to material for use in unforgiving environments. PEEK can be found in a variety of industries including aerospace, food and beverage, oil and gas, and many more.

PEEK Applications

PEEK Standard Sizes, Grades, and Colors

PEEK Sheet Dimensions	6 in x 6 in – 24 in x 48 in
PEEK Sheet Thicknesses	0.250 in – 4 in
PEEK Rod Outside Diameter	0.187 in – 6 in
PEEK Tube Outside Diameter	30 mm – 210 mm
PEEK Grade Options	Glass-Filled, Bearing Grades, FDA Compliant, Metal and X-ray Detectable
PEEK Color Options	Natural, Black, Dark Blue, and other colors available upon request.

Popular PEEK Product Options

Ketron® – This product option stems from the MCAM family of PEEK materials. Ketron PEEK grades offer chemical and hydrolysis resistance and can operate at high temperatures. Depending on the grade you choose, PEEK can be used continuously to 480°F (250°C) and in hot water or steam without permanent loss in physical properties. Lastly, PEEK carries a V-O flammability rating and exhibits very low smoke and toxic gas emission when exposed to flame.

Duratron® PEI – Another polymer that is ideal for mechanical environments, Duratron PEI offers high strength and excellent flame and heat resistance. It is known to perform in continuous use to 340°F (170°C) and also boasts high dielectric strength, is UL 94-V-0 rated with low smoke output and is available in glass-reinforced grades.

Victrex® – This PEEK polymer has prompted advances across industries and has helped meet key engineering requirements in critical components. Victrex PEEK is well suited for extreme and demanding environments, and often replaces metals to meet cost-efficiency and sustainability needs.

Need Help Shopping for PEEK?

At Piedmont Plastics, we have a team of dedicated industrial specialists who are ready to provide you with solutions for your next project. In addition to PEEK, we offer a variety of other engineered plastics that can help improve your applications. Let us know how we can help you.