Polyether Ether Ketone - An Important Thermoplastic Material
Polyether ether ketone or PEEK is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer belonging to polyaryletherketone family of polymers. PEEK was developed by Imperial Chemical Industries in the 1970s as an alternative to metal in applications requiring high-temperature resistance. PEEK is known for its excellent mechanical, chemical and heat resistance properties which make it well-suited for use across various industries like aerospace, automotive and medical devices.
Chemical Structure
PEEK is composed of monomers containing aromatic rings linked through carbonyl and ether groups. The monomers 4,4'-difluorobenzophenone and bisphenol A are polymerized via nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction to form the Polyether Ether Ketone backbone. The presence of bulky phenyl rings and the separation of these rings by bulky ketone and ether linkages are responsible for the unique properties of PEEK like amorphous mass and high melting point of 334°C.
Properties
Some key properties of PEEK that have led to its widespread use include:
High Temperature Resistance: PEEK has a continuous use temperature of up to 260°C and can withstand short-term temperatures up to 300°C. This makes it highly suitable for applications involving heat, steam or fire.
Chemical Resistance: PEEK demonstrates excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals like acids, bases, salt solutions and organic solvents. It does not absorb moisture and hence does not swell or deteriorate when exposed to humid conditions.
Mechanical Strength: PEEK is very strong and rigid with tensile modulus similar to aluminum. It also demonstrates fatigue and impact strength surpassing metals and most other plastics.
Biocompatibility: PEEK is US FDA approved for use in medical implant devices like trauma fixators and spinal implants due to its biocompatibility and non-toxic nature.
Radiation Resistance: PEEK has superior resistance to gamma radiation making it suitable for radiation shielding and space applications.
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