PEEK

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is the crown jewel of high-performance engineering plastics — a semi-crystalline, thermally stable thermoplastic capable of operating continuously at 250°C and briefly at temperatures exceeding 300°C. Recognized by its amber natural color, PEEK offers an extraordinary combination of mechanical strength, chemical inertness, radiation resistance, and low smoke toxicity that places it in the most demanding applications across aerospace, medical, semiconductor, and oil & gas industries. Its exceptional performance comes at a premium cost (typically 10–30× the price of engineering plastics like PA6 or POM), but for applications where failure is not an option, PEEK is often the only viable material.

Mechanical Properties

• Density: 1.30 g/cm³
• Tensile Strength: 100 MPa
• Yield Strength: 95 MPa
• Elongation at Break: 20–50%
• Flexural Modulus: 4,100 MPa
• Hardness (Rockwell): M 125 (R scale: R126)
• Heat Deflection Temperature: 315°C @ 1.8 MPa
• Melting Point: 343°C
• Thermal Conductivity: 0.25 W/m·K
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 4.5 × 10⁻⁵ /°C
• Water Absorption: 0.45%
• Flammability Rating: V-0 (UL94); low smoke and toxic gas emission

Advantages

🟢 Outstanding thermal stability — continuous use temperature of 250°C (short-term to 300°C+); retains mechanical properties at temperatures that destroy most plastics

🟢 Exceptional chemical resistance — impervious to virtually all organic solvents, acids, and bases; only hot concentrated sulfuric acid attacks PEEK

🟢 Excellent radiation resistance — withstands gamma radiation up to 1,000 MRad without significant property degradation; used in nuclear applications

🟢 High mechanical strength and modulus — GF-reinforced PEEK achieves flexural modulus over 20,000 MPa

🟢 Excellent hydrolysis resistance — steam sterilizable at 134°C repeatedly; ideal for medical and food processing applications

🟢 Low smoke and toxic gas emission — exceeds aerospace FST (Fire, Smoke, Toxicity) requirements; V-0 UL94 rated

Machining & Manufacturing

Common Applications