Product Focus: Comprehensive Guide to PEEK Materials

Product Focus: Comprehensive Guide to PEEK Materials

Alfa Chemistry — Empowering Industries with Advanced Polymer Solutions.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer known for its exceptional mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. PEEK is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics due to its ability to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining structural integrity.

At Alfa Chemistry, we offer a wide range of PEEK products, including powders, sheets, rods, films, tubes, and custom components, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We also offer glass or carbon filled-reinforced PEEKs for enhanced strength and stiffness.

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PEEK Overview

PEEK is a high-performance, semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer that belongs to the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family. Its robust molecular structure contributes to its excellent performance in demanding environments.

Structure of PEEK

The main molecular chain of PEEK is composed of ether bonds (C-O-C), aromatic rings, and carbonyl groups (C=O) connected alternately. Since the main chain contains a large number of benzene rings, the C-O bond itself is relatively soft, and the large steric hindrance of the two benzene rings effectively protects the C-O bond from being destroyed. The oxygen atom and the carbonyl group will form a p-π conjugation effect with the benzene ring. In addition, PEEK is a typical semi-crystalline polymer that exists in crystalline and non-crystalline regions. This structure gives PEEK high stability and low density.

Key Properties of PEEK

• High Thermal Stability: Withstands temperatures up to 260°C (500°F).
• Excellent Mechanical Strength: High tensile and flexural strength.
• Chemical Resistance: Resistant to most chemicals, including acids and bases.
• Biocompatibility: Approved for medical implants and devices.
• Low Friction Coefficient: Ideal for wear-resistant applications.
• Radiolucency: Transparent to X-rays, making it suitable for medical imaging.

PEEK Product Portfolio: Discover the One for You

Key Features:

• Uniform particle size distribution for consistent processing.
• High purity and thermal stability (up to 260°C).
• Suitable for creating complex geometries in medical implants and aerospace components.

PEEK Powders

Applications: Ideal for additive manufacturing (3D printing), injection molding, and coating processes.

Grades Available:

PEEK Powder (1~5 μm)

PEEK Powder (100 μm)

Key Features:

• Available in thicknesses from 0.04 in to 4 in.
• Excellent dimensional stability and resistance to wear.
• High dielectric strength and thermal conductivity.
• Customization: Cut-to-size sheets/films with tailored surface finishes.

PEEK Sheets & Films

Applications: Sheets for machined parts, bearings, seals, and electrical insulators. Films for flexible circuits, insulating layers, and protective coatings.

Grades Available:

PEEK, Sheet, Natural

PEEK, Sheet, Natural, Calendered

Key Features:

• High tensile strength (14,000 psi) and low moisture absorption (<0.5%).
• Resistance to chemicals, radiation, and hydrolysis.
• Sizes: Diameters ranging from 0.25 in to 6 in.

PEEK Rods

Applications: Precision components for pumps, valves, and semiconductor equipment.

Grades Available:

PEEK, Rod, Natural

PEEK, Rod, Black

Key Features:

• Smooth inner/outer surfaces for low-friction performance.
• Resistant to steam, acids, and hydrocarbons.
• Customizable diameters and lengths.

PEEK Tubes

Applications: Fluid transfer systems, medical catheters, and sensor housings.

Grades Available:

PEEK, Tube, Natural

Enhanced Properties:

• Increased stiffness and creep resistance.
• Improved dimensional stability under load.
• Reduced thermal expansion coefficient.

Glass-Filled PEEK

Applications: Automotive gears, industrial bushings, and high-load structural parts.

Grades Available:

PEEK, Tube, Natural, 30% Glass-Filled

PEEK, Tube, Natural, 30% Glass-Filled, Spin Molded

PEEK Glass-Filled, Rod, Natural, 30% Glass-Filled

PEEK Glass-Filled, Sheet, Natural, 30% Glass-Filled

Enhanced Properties:

• Superior mechanical strength.
• Enhanced electrical conductivity and EMI shielding.
• Exceptional wear resistance for dynamic applications.

Carbon-Filled PEEK

Applications: Aerospace fasteners, robotics, and oil/gas downhole tools.

Grades Available:

PEEK, Tube, Natural, 30% Carbon-Filled

Technical Specifications Overview

Product	Virgin PEEK	30% Glass PEEK	30% Carbon PEEK
Density (g/cm3)	1.32	1.52	1.44
Tensile Strength (MPa)	90–100	140–160	180–200
Max Temp (°C)	260	260	260
Elongation (%)	50	2.2	1.3
Flexural modulus (MPa)	170	233	318
Elastic modulus (GPa)	3.63	10.29	13.03
Izod impact strength (notch) (J · m-1)	70	98	87
Heat deformation temperature (1.82MPa) (℃)	152	315	315
Flame retardancy (UL94, 1.45mm)	V-0	V-0	V-0
Linear expansion coefficient (10-5K-1)	4.7	2.2	1.5
Volume resistivity (Ω · cm)	(4~9) ×1016		1.4 × 105
Molding shrinkage (%)	1.1	0.5	0.1~1.4

Notes: The above parameters are for reference only and may vary depending on the specific product. Please contact us for detailed technical data sheets (TDS).

Applications of PEEK

Medical

Range from dental prostheses, spinal cages to cranioplasty.

Aerospace

Lightweight and durable components for aircraft.

Automotive

High-performance parts for engines and transmissions.

Electronics

Insulating films and connectors.

Oil and Gas

Chemical-resistant tubing and seals.

Why Partner with Alfa Chemistry?

Material Excellence

Certified Quality: ISO 9001: 2015 certified company.

Advanced Composites: Custom formulations with glass, carbon, or mineral fillers to optimize performance.

Precision Manufacturing

State-of-the-art machining and extrusion capabilities for tight tolerances (±0.01 mm).

Prototyping and bulk production support.

Industry-Specific Solutions

Medical: Biocompatible PEEK for implants, surgical tools, and MRI-compatible devices.

Aerospace: Lightweight, flame-retardant components meeting MIL-P-46183 specs.

Energy: Chemical-resistant PEEK for seals and valves in aggressive environments.

Global Support & Logistics

Rapid lead times (as short as 2 weeks for standard products).

Technical datasheets (TDS), MSDS, and DSC analysis reports provided.

Dedicated account managers for seamless collaboration.

What Our Clients Say

The glass-filled PEEK sheets we sourced from Alfa Chemistry met MIL-P-46183 specs flawlessly. They outperformed titanium in our engine bracket tests, reducing weight by 22% without sacrificing strength. The lead time was impressive, and the pricing is more competitive compared to other suppliers.

Dr. Emily Carter

Lead Materials Engineer.

We've integrated Alfa Chemistry's 30% carbon-filled PEEK rods into our EV battery housings. The thermal stability at 200°C+ and EMI shielding properties are unmatched. Alfa Chemistry's strict quality control has consolidated our long-term partnership.

Sofia Ramirez

Senior Procurement Manager.

We purchase Alfa Chemistry's PEEK film for flexible PCB insulation, which helps us reduce our failure rate in high-heat applications. The dielectric properties of these PEEK films are excellent, and we expect to see more PEEK mineral-filled film options in the future.

Liam Gallagher

CTO, Electronics Manufacturer.

FAQs About PEEK

Is PEEK better than PTFE?

It is difficult to summarize in one sentence which is better, PEEK or PTFE, and there are many factors to consider. We compare and provide a selection guide for PEEK, PTFE, and PCTFE from the perspective of material properties and application scenarios.

Generally, PEEK dominates demanding applications that require high strength and temperature resistance along with durability while PTFE stands out in environments where chemical inertness and low friction are essential.

What are the disadvantages of PEEK?

Its high cost can be prohibitive for some applications, and its high processing temperature complicates manufacturing. PEEK is also difficult to machine, requiring specialized equipment. PEEK is often available in limited color options, primarily in natural or black forms. Additionally, PEEK can be notch sensitive and may exhibit wear in highly abrasive environments.

What sintering parameters are recommended for Alfa Chemistry's PEEK powders in laser-based 3D printing, and how do they affect crystallinity?

Optimal bed temperatures range from 170-200°C with laser powers adjusted for 95-98% density. Our powders have controlled crystallization kinetics to balance strength and processability—request our technical guide for SLS/DMLS parameters.

Is PEEK cost-effective for replacing metal parts in electric vehicle battery systems?

PEEK reduces component weight by ~40% vs. aluminum while offering comparable strength. Although upfront costs are higher, its durability in high-heat and chemically aggressive environments lowers lifecycle costs. Ask about our bulk pricing tiers for automotive partners.

How does PEEK's dielectric performance compare to polyimide films in high-frequency circuits, and can it be metallized for flexible PCBs?

PEEK films provide lower dielectric loss (tan δ < 0.002) at high frequencies vs. polyimide. They are compatible with sputtering and plating processes for metallization. Alfa Chemistry offers PEEK films with adhesion-promoting surface treatments.

What is the lead time for custom-sized PEEK sheets, and do you offer machining services for complex geometries?

Standard sizes ship in 2–3 weeks; custom machining (e.g., CNC, drilling) adds 1–2 weeks. We provide DFM (Design for Manufacturing) support to optimize your part designs for PEEK's properties. Of course, the actual situation depends on the complexity of your project.

Frontier News: PEEK Emerges as a Critical Material for Next-Gen Humanoid Robots

The weight of humanoid robots must be strictly controlled. Excessive weight will increase the torque burden of the servo motor and make it difficult to meet the requirements of driving robots. Lightweighting robots can greatly improve mobility and work efficiency, thereby improving operating speed and accuracy, while reducing motion inertia and improving inherent safety.

In the current context of "plastic replacing steel" and "lightweighting", PEEK material, as a new polymer material, is used to gradually replace the use of metal materials in the mid-to-high-end field with its excellent performance. In December 2023, Tesla's Optimus-Gen2 attracted much attention for its successful use of PEEK, which reduced the weight of the robot by 10 kg and increased its walking speed by 30%. Among them, pure PEEK material is mainly used for gears and joints, while CF/PEEK is used for the body and limb skeleton.

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