1. Basic Definition & Background
PEEK, full name Polyetheretherketone, is a semi-crystalline aromatic high-performance thermoplastic in the PAEK (polyaryletherketone) polymer family. It was originally invented by Britain’s ICI in 1978 and later commercialized under the brand Victrex, widely hailed as the “king of super engineering plastics” or “super plastic” for its all-round extreme performance unmatched by ordinary plastics.
Its molecular backbone is built from rigid benzene rings linked by ether and ketone groups, which gives the material inherent thermal stability, mechanical rigidity and chemical inertness. PEEK can be processed via injection molding, extrusion, CNC machining, compression molding and 3D printing, and can be modified with carbon fiber, glass fiber or graphite fillers to customize strength, wear resistance and conductivity.
2. Core Outstanding Properties
Thermal Performance
- Melting point (Tm): 343°C; glass transition temperature (Tg): 143°C
- Continuous long-term service temperature: 240–260°C; short-term peak tolerance over 300°C
- Remains tough and non-brittle even at cryogenic temperature (-196°C liquid nitrogen environment)
- UL94 V-0 highest flame retardant grade, low smoke and toxic gas release when burning
- Resists repeated high-temperature steam autoclave sterilization without degradation
Mechanical Performance
- High tensile, flexural and compressive strength, excellent creep resistance and fatigue resistance under long-term load
- Self-lubricating, ultra-low friction coefficient, outstanding wear & abrasion resistance, suitable for high-speed rotating tribological parts (gears, bearings, sliding sleeves)
- Elastic modulus close to human cortical bone; far lighter than metal (40% weight reduction vs metal with equivalent strength), solving the “stress shielding” problem of titanium alloy implants in orthopedics
Chemical & Environmental Stability
- Inert to most acids, alkalis, organic solvents, oil, fuel and hot water; no swelling or corrosion over wide temperature and pressure ranges
- Only degraded by strong concentrated oxidants like fuming nitric acid
- Excellent hydrolysis resistance, stable in long-term hot water/steam exposure
- Low ionic impurity, ultra-high purity, non-toxic and fully biocompatible for medical use
Electrical Properties
- Stable insulation performance across wide temperature & frequency bands; good dielectric strength and low dielectric loss
- Carbon-filled conductive PEEK is widely used for anti-static, ESD shielding semiconductor components
Other Advantages
- FDA-compliant food-grade variants safe for food & pharmaceutical contact
- High radiation resistance, stable under gamma ray and X-ray irradiation
- Low water absorption, dimensional accuracy barely affected by humidity changes
3. Main Industry Applications
Medical & Dental (Biomedical Grade PEEK)
The most mainstream high-end biomaterial substitute for titanium alloy:
- Orthopedic implants: spinal fusion cages, bone plates, hip joint liners
- Dental products: implant abutments, removable denture frameworks, crowns & bridges
- Reusable surgical instruments, minimally invasive device housings; withstand hundreds of autoclave sterilization cycles
Aerospace & Aviation
Lightweight structural parts, engine internal components, wiring brackets, sealing rings, aircraft pipeline fittings; reduces aircraft weight and fuel consumption while enduring high-temperature engine environments
Semiconductor & Electronics
Wafer handling fixtures, chip test sockets, ESD trays, high-temperature insulation connectors; low metal ion contamination meets ultra-clean workshop standards
Oil & Gas Downhole Equipment
Downhole valve seats, high-pressure seals, cable insulators; resistant to high temperature, high pressure and corrosive drilling fluid underground
Automotive New Energy
EV motor insulation parts, transmission gears, battery sealing components, cooling system valves; long service life under continuous high temperature
Chemical & Food Processing
Corrosion-resistant pump bodies, gaskets, high-temperature conveyor components, food machine wear parts, pharmaceutical production pipeline fittings
Precision Machinery
Self-lubricating bearings, high-speed gears, robotic joint structural parts, precision instrument housings
4. Common Modified PEEK Grades
- Neat PEEK (unfilled): High toughness, pure biocompatibility, for medical and food contact parts
- Carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK: Higher strength, stiffness and wear resistance, lightweight structural parts
- Glass-fiber-filled PEEK: Cost-effective high rigidity for general structural components
- Graphite / PTFE modified PEEK: Ultra-low friction, dedicated to sliding wear parts
- Conductive carbon-filled PEEK: Anti-static, ESD protection for semiconductors
PEEK Material Parameter Table
| Parameter | Reference Specifications |
|---|---|
| Price | Higher cost polymer; price depends on PEEK grade, part volume, processing difficulty and order quantity |
| Delivery time | Prototypes: 4–7 working days; Mass production: 10–18 working days (raw material lead time longer) |
| Wall thickness | Minimum 1.0 mm; optimal range 1.5–5 mm; Thick sections require slow cooling to reduce internal stress |
| Tolerance | Standard tolerance ±0.05 mm; Precision tolerance ±0.02–0.04 mm (extra processing cost), compliant with ISO 2768-m |
| Maximum part size | CNC solid rod/sheet/block machining: 1200 × 1000 × 300 mm |
| Available PEEK Grades | 1. Unfilled natural PEEK (pure PEEK, high temperature resistance)2. 30% Glass-Fiber-Reinforced PEEK (high rigidity, low thermal expansion)3. 30% Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced PEEK (low friction, high strength, conductive option)4. PEEK filled with PTFE / Graphite / Carbon powder (self-lubricating for sliding components)5. Medical-grade biocompatible PEEK (implant applications) |