Polyether
ether ketone, commonly known as PEEK, is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic
belonging to the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family of thermoplastics. It was
first developed by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in the United Kingdom in
the late 1970s as an alternative to metal in applications requiring higher
temperature operation. PEEK is highly resistant to chemicals, heat and wear,
making it a superb engineering material for components exposed to demanding
operating conditions. Let's explore more about PEEK's properties and
applications.
Chemical Structure and Properties
The chemical structure of PEEK consists of aromatic ether ketone repeating
units formed from p-phenylene groups connected by ether groups and ketone groups
in the meta-position. This arrangement gives
Polyether
Ether Ketone its unique combination of properties. Given its aromatic
chemical structure, PEEK exhibits excellent heat resistance up to 260°C. It
also has very high mechanical strength, durability and chemical resistance
across a wide range of solvents and chemicals due to the semi-crystalline
molecular structure. PEEK is resistant to most common organic solvents and
aqueous solutions of inorganic acids and alkalis. Other key properties include
self-lubricating performance, biocompatibility and radiation resistance.
Processing of PEEK
PEEK is difficult to process compared to other thermoplastics due to its high
melting temperature of around 343°C. Common processing techniques for PEEK
include injection molding, which is suitable for high volume production of
complex parts. Extrusion is used to manufacture PEEK profiles, tubes and rods.
Thermal forming processes involve heating PEEK sheets to above its glass
transition temperature followed by forming or vacuum forming into parts. Laser
machining, CNC machining and other subtractive methods can be used to
accurately cut net-shape PEEK parts. Deposition techniques like FDM 3D printing
have also emerged as effective ways to 3D print intricate PEEK components with
precision.
Applications of PEEK
Aviation and Aerospace: PEEK is widely used to manufacture components in
commercial and military aircraft and spacecraft that must withstand extreme
temperatures and pressures. Typical applications include engine components,
airframe panels, ducting systems and landing gear parts.
Medical: As an implant-grade biomaterial, PEEK is used to produce orthopedic and
spinal implants, dental fixtures and prosthetics owing to its biocompatibility,
strength and non-toxic properties. PEEK implants provide an alternative to
metal implants for patients with MRI compatibility issues or metal allergy
concerns.
Electronics: Characteristics like high heat resistance and radiation hardness
make PEEK suitable for miniaturized components in electronics, semiconductors
and electric vehicles that must function reliably even in extreme operating
environments.
Oil & Gas: Oilfield production components and downhole equipment fabricated
from PEEK last longer compared to metals in corrosive environments with high
pressure and temperatures. Its self-lubrication also eases handling of pipes
and tubing.
Other Applications: PEEK is also utilized in bearings, gears, pumps, valves and
other industrial parts where chemical resistance and wear properties are
essential. In transportation, it finds use in high-speed trains, race cars and
marine applications.
Future Outlook and Market Trends
With its continually expanding range of applications arising from advancements
in processing technologies, demand for polyether ether ketone is projected to
grow at above 5% annually through 2030. The medical sector will remain a major
market driven by increasing ageing population and approvals for new PEEK
implants. Aerospace, oil & gas and electronics are also high growth areas.
Development of new PEEK formulations and 3D printing of customized parts are
exciting trends enhancing the performance profile of this versatile
high-performance thermoplastic.
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Ether Ketone
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