PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic which is well suited for high-temperature environments. It is often one of the highest-priced engineering plastics but does offer a unique combination of properties. The high-temperature performance (continuous service temperature up to 200 °C) and excellent mechanical and electrical properties make it one of the leading contenders as a replacement for metal parts. It also has outstanding radiation resistance (for medical applications) and very good sunlight and weathering resistance.
PEEK can be processed on all conventional processing technologies and so this material is often used in demanding and niche high-temperature engineering plastic applications. It has been used in a wide variety of applications including chemical pumps, coffee machines and microchips.
PEEK is also easy to machine and so is often used in industry for the production of high-precision plastic components in small batches.
PEEK is difficult to bond with engineering adhesives due to its low surface energy and usually requires some form of surface treatment (e. g., plasma) to give a good bond (Table 2.7).
Table 2.7 Adhesive shear strengths (PEEK)
Notes: All shear strengths are given as guidelines only and may vary considerably depending on grade of plastic, fillers, surface finish, etc. |