What is polyether ether ketone (PEEK)?

PEEK is one of the so-called high-performance polymers, as it has the best heat resistance of all plastics and combines this with very good mechanical properties. Reinforced PEEK is able to withstand continuous operation at temperatures of up to 280 °C and exhibits excellent dimensional stability. Glass fiber reinforcement can even improve the mechanical properties. PEEK is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with a crystallinity of up to 48 %. PEEK is flame-retardant, self-extinguishing and produces very few toxic gases in the event of fire. It is also resistant to high-energy radiation such as gamma and X-rays. Protective measures should only be taken against UV radiation in combination with atmospheric oxygen. PEEK has excellent resistance to chemicals and hydrolysis. Only concentrated sulphuric acid, nitric acid and some halogenated hydrocarbons attack it. Carbon fibers coated with PEEK are also known, which are processed into so-called UD-Pepregs and pressed into laminates at high temperatures and used as composite materials. PEEK is used wherever high mechanical properties with long-lasting heat are required. It is also used in electrical engineering, composite materials and, thanks to its autoclavability, in medical technology.