Polyaryletherketones

Polyaryletherketones (PAEK), also referred to as polyaryletherketone block copolymers, are high-performance engineering plastics known for their excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. They are macrocyclic terephthalic acid-derived materials that contain both aryl ether (–O–) and ketone (C=O) linkages within a single polymer backbone. The combination of these functional groups confers a high glass‑transition temperature (typically 260–320 °C) and a tensile modulus comparable to that of polybenzimidazole or polyetherimide.

Typical PAEK grades include polyphenylene ether ketone (PPEK) and polyaryl ether ketone (PAEK). They are usually produced by polycondensation of bisphenols or diphenyl ethers with dianhydrides such as 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid (BDA) and 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (BPA). Copolymers or block copolymers can be tailored to achieve desired balances of toughness, creep resistance, and processability. Because the polymer chains are rigid and highly aromatic, PAEK materials resist creep and retain dimensional stability under prolonged load or heat.

The material’s high thermal resistance makes it suitable for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications where elevated operating temperatures and compound exposure are common. Uses include turbine fan blades, gas turbine seals, high‑temperature gaskets, valve components, and advanced composite reinforcement. In electronics, PAEK films are employed as substrates for flexible circuits and high‑temperature interconnects due to their low dielectric loss.

Commercially, the PAEK market is dominated by specialty plastics suppliers such as Arkema, Huntsman, and Bayer MaterialScience. Production capacity is concentrated in Europe and North America, with strong demand in the defense and power generation sectors. The material’s cost remains higher than conventional thermoplastics, but its superior performance characteristics continue to drive growth in high‑value sectors.