Polyetheretherketone is often abbreviated as PEEK. It is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic that belongs to the family of polyketones. It is known for its exceptional mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.
These features make PEEK suitable for a wide range of applications. The uses range from aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics industries.
But do you know what makes it unique from other high-heat plastics? Get a clear view of:
- the structure of PEEK and the reaction mechanism behind it
- the comparison of various PEEK versions from other high-heat plastics
- the suitable processing conditions and the final products where it can be used
What is PEEK – Polyetheretherketone?
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) belongs to the polyketone family of polymers (PEK, PEEK, PEEKK, PEKK, PEKEKK). Amongst them, PEEK is the most widely used and manufactured on a large scale. It has been commercially available from ICI since the early 1980s. PEEK is fully recyclable plastic.
CAS Number: 29658-26-2
Chemical name: poly(oxy-1,4-phenyene-oxy-1, 4-phenyene)]
Chemical formula: C19H14O3
Synthesis of PEEK
PEEK polymers are obtained by step-growth polymerization by the dialkylation of bisphenolate salts. It involves the reaction of 4,4’-difluorobenzophenone or 1,4-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl) benzene with hydroquinone. This reaction takes place in the presence of alkali carbonates. The polymer is then isolated by removal of alkali metal fluoride and the polymerization solvent.
Molecular Structure of PEEK
The polymer exhibits the highest thermal transitions among other commercial polymers. This is because of its stiff aromatic polymer backbone. Hence, they can be used at temperatures as high as 240°C.
Typical performance profile
PEEK is a semi-crystalline, high-performance engineering thermoplastic. This rigid opaque (grey) material offers a unique combination of:
- mechanical properties,
- resistance to chemicals and wear,
- exceptionally high-temperature resistance
The polymer also exhibits excellent creep resistance when combined with flexural & tensile characteristics. The material withstands high loadings for long periods at high temperatures without permanent deformations.
Along with these features, PEEK has:
- High Melting Point (Tm), 343°C
- High Glass Transition (Tg) temperature, 143°C
- High continuous service temperature, up to 260°C
These properties make PEEK and its composites suitable for high-temperature applications. These include aerospace, automotive, structural, electrical, and biomedical applications.
Despite the high price of the polymer, the added value that PEEK materials bring to manufacturing parts include:
- lightweight,
- strength or toughness, and
- ability to survive longer in harsh environments.
The polymer exhibits high volume resistivity and surface resistivity. It can maintain good insulating properties in a broad temperature range. It can also undergo environmental changes.
PEEK has a V0 flammability rating down to 1.45 mm and an LOI of 35%. It’s smoke and toxic gas generation is extremely low. Crystallinity imparts excellent resistance to a wide range of liquids and superb fatigue performance.
PEEK is insoluble in all common solvents. It does not undergo hydrolysis. Used for 1000s of hours in steam or high-pressure water without significant property degradation.
More properties of PEEK include:
- low friction
- good dimensional stability
- excellent sterilization resistance at high temperature
- biocompatible
- long life
- inherent purity
Property comparison: PEEK versions and other high heat polymers
Neat vs. Reinforced PEEK version
Reinforced carbon fiber PEEK grades have exceptional tensile properties. A tensile strength of 29000psi can be achieved with properties retained at 299°C.
Reinforced grades have improved flexural modulus at very high temperatures. Glass and carbon reinforcements can also increase:
- creep and fatigue resistance,
- thermal conductivity, as well as
- heat distortion temperature of the polymer
The table below lists the properties of unfilled vs. filled PEEK grades.
| Property | Unfilled | 30% carbon fiber | 30% glass fiber |
| Dielectric Constant | 3.2 | 3.2 – 3.4 | 3.3 – 4.2 |
| Dielectric Strength (kV/mm) | 20 | 18.5 – 19 | 15 – 24 |
| Volume Resistivity (x 1015 Ohm.cm) | 16 – 17 | 1 – 8 | 15 – 16 |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 30 – 150 | 1 – 3 | 2 – 3 |
| Flexibility or Flexural Modulus (GPa) | 3.7 – 4 | 13 – 19 | 9 – 10 |
| Young Modulus (GPa) | 3.5 – 3.9 | 13 – 22.3 | 9 – 11.4 |
| Toughness or Notched Izod Impact at Room Temperature (J/m) | 80 – 94 | 85 – 120 | 95 – 130 |
| Density (g/cm3) | 1.26 – 1.32 | 1.4 – 1.44 | 1.49 – 1.54 |
| Thermal Insulation or Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K) | 0.25 | 0.9 – 0.95 | 0.43 |
| Commercial Grades | Neat PEEK Grades | Carbon Fiber Filled PEEK Grades | Glass Fiber Filled PEEK Grades |
PEEK vs. other high heat plastics
In comparison to fluoropolymers, PEEK shows superior tensile strength, HDT, operating temperature, bonding, processing, and toxic gas emission. However, they are inferior in terms of chemical resistance, cost, toughness, and UV weathering.
- As compared to PPS, PEEK has markedly superior thermal resistance, toughness, and flashing
- PEEK has much higher temperature performance, wear resistance, chemical resistance, and fatigue performance when compared to PES.
- PEEK is not normally blended with other polymers. However, it forms miscible blends with a range of other polyketones and PEI. PEEK/PEI blends have higher Tg. Its blends with PES and PPS are highly compatible.
PEEK Limitations
- Expensive, applicable for highly demanding application
- Processing at high temperatures
- Attacked by some acids, such as conc. Sulphuric, Nitric, Chromic
- Attacked by halogens and sodium
- Low resistance to UV light
How are PEEK polymers processed?
Polyetheretherketone is processed by conventional methods such as:
- injection molding,
- extrusion,
- compression molding, etc.
However, processing conditions used to mold it can influence crystallinity and mechanical properties.
As a linear thermoplastic, PEEK can be melt processed in the temperature range (370 to 420°C). While processing Polyetheretherketone, no corrosive gases are evolved. Effectively monitor melt temperature of your high heat plastics for improved quality product.
Before processing Polyetheretherketone, drying is recommended for 3 hours at 150°C or 2 hours at 180°C. This is done to avoid any molding defects.