polyetheretherketone

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a colorless, high-performance semicrystalline thermoplastic in the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family. Its repeating unit contains two ether linkages and one ketone linkage between phenyl rings, giving a rigid aromatic backbone.

PEEK offers outstanding thermal stability and chemical resistance. It melts around 343°C and has a glass transition near 143°C, with continuous use possible at about 250°C. It combines high strength and stiffness with low creep and excellent wear resistance. It resists most solvents, tolerates steam sterilization, and retains dimensional stability in humid environments. It is inherently flame-retardant with relatively low smoke evolution.

Processing and handling: PEEK is melt-processed by extrusion, injection molding, or compression molding. It is moisture sensitive and usually requires drying before processing. Typical processing temperatures range from roughly 360°C to 400°C. Unfilled grades are often reinforced with carbon or glass fibers to boost stiffness.

Applications: PEEK is used in aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and electrical components, as well as medical implants and devices. Its combination of high-temperature performance, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility under sterilization makes it suitable for spinal cages, joint components, seals, bearings, and connectors.

Synthesis: PEEK is produced by high-temperature condensation polymerization of hydroquinone with difluorinated aromatic intermediates, forming the characteristic ether and ketone linkages.