Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and fluoropolymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), represent advanced options in the realm of engineering plastics, offering exceptional characteristics suitable for diverse industrial applications. You may be confused about how to choose PEEK or fluoropolymers. In this article, Alfa Chemistry will take you through the differences and characteristics between PEEK and fluoropolymers to help you choose the ideal material for your project.
Overview of PEEK and Fluoropolymers
PEEK, a high-performance thermoplastic polymer, is renowned for its exceptional chemical resistance, high temperature stability, and robust mechanical strength. Used extensively in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical industries, PEEK is preferred for applications that demand durability and superior performance, especially in challenging environments.
Fluoropolymers, including PTFE, are synthetic fluoropolymers known for their excellent chemical and temperature resistance, durability, and dielectric properties. Other notable fluoropolymers include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), and polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE).
Comparison of Material Characteristics
PEEK
- Broad chemical resistance.
- High strength, stiffness, and creep resistance to deformation at high temperatures.
- Excellent mechanical properties down to -30°C.
- Retention of ductility at cold temperatures.
- Maximum service temperatures approaching 260°C.
- Excellent dimensional stability.
PTFE
- High temperature resistance.
- Corrosion resistance.
- Low friction coefficient.
- Excellent insulation performance.
- Oxidation resistance.
- Weather resistance.
- Non-stickiness.
PCTFE
- Broad chemical resistance.
- High compressive strength.
- Ductility maintained at cryogenic temperatures.
- Relatively stable coefficient of thermal expansion at extreme temperatures.
- Very low gas permeability.
- Excellent flammability and oxygen compatibility.
- Good radiation resistance.
| PEEK | PTFE | PCTFE | Preferred Material |
| Price | Very expensive | Moderately expensive | Relatively expensive | PTFE |
| Tensile Strength | 90-100 MPa | 25-35 MPa | 34-39MPa | PEEK |
| Elongation | 30-40% | 350-400% | 100 - 250% | PTFE |
| Compressive Strength | 140 MPa | 30-40 MPa | 38MPa | PEEK |
| Flexural Modulus | 3900 MPa | 495 MPa | 1380-1675MPa | PEEK |
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.35-0.45 | 0.03-0.05 | - | PTFE |
| Temperature resistance | Up to 260°C | Up to 260°C | ~ 193°C | PTFE/PEEK |
| Dielectric strength | 50 Kv/mm | 50-150 Kv/mm | 20 Kv/mm | PTFE |
| Chemical resistance | Affected by Sulphuric acid | Virtually inert | Broad chemical resistance | PTFE |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | 5 x 10-5/K | 14 x 10-5/K | 7x 10-5/K | PEEK |
| Machineability | Very good | Good | Good | PEEK |
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Comparison of Applications
| Materials | Applications |
|---|
| PEEK | - Aerospace: Used to manufacture aircraft parts such as cable clamps and sheaths to achieve weight reduction.
- Automotive industry: used to manufacture engine inner covers, bearings, gaskets, seals and other parts.
- Medical field: Due to its biocompatibility and resistance to sterilization, PEEK is used to manufacture orthopedic implants, denture bases, etc.
- Electrical and electronic: used to manufacture integrated circuit boards, lead-free solder and other electronic and electrical components.
- Nuclear energy industry: Due to its radiation resistance, PEEK is used to manufacture cable sheathing and wire insulation systems.
- Chemical industry: used to manufacture corrosion-resistant pump bodies, valve components, etc.
|
| PTFE | - Chemical field: Due to the corrosion resistance of PTFE, it is widely used in chemical equipment, pipelines, valves, etc.
- Electronic field: The insulation properties of PTFE make it suitable for electronic components, cable insulation, etc.
- Medical field: The biocompatibility of PTFE makes it used in medical devices such as artificial joints and hemodialysis.
- Automotive industry: It is used to manufacture automotive seals, bearings, valve seals and other parts.
- Construction field: PTFE membrane materials are used for the roof materials of buildings, which are self-cleaning and durable.
- Anti-stick coating: such as non-stick pan coating, microwave oven liner, etc.
- Filter material: Using the porosity of PTFE membrane, it is used for gas-liquid separation, filter membrane, etc.
|
| PCTFE | - Cryogenic and Chemical Handling Components: PCTFE is commonly employed in critical components such as valves, seals, and gaskets used in cryogenic and chemical handling equipment.
- Aerospace Components: In the aerospace industry, the unique properties of PCTFE make it suitable for various applications, including valve seats, pump components, impellers, diaphragms, and plugs.
- Laboratory Instrumentation: Due to its high purity and low gas permeability, PCTFE is utilized in laboratory instrumentation and analytical equipment, where precision, reliability, and chemical resistance are paramount.
- Nuclear Services and High Radiation Exposure: PCTFE's radiation resistance makes it an essential material for nuclear services and applications involving high levels of radiation exposure.
- Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Nitrogen Valve Linings: PCTFE's compatibility with liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen renders it an optimal material for valve linings in specialized applications.
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