PEEK
(polyetheretherketone)
Also known by the raw material
trade name of Victrex®, PEEK is a thermoplastic polymer with excellent
mechanical properties at high temperatures. Continues to find new applications
replacing metals and thermoset resins in a wide range of demanding
environments.
- Excellent chemical
resistance
- Very low moisture
absorption
- Excellent mechanical strength
and stiffness
- Inherently good wear and
abrasion resistance
- Unaffected by continuous
exposure to hot water or steam
- Excellent high energy
radiation resistance
- Flammaility rating of
V-0
PEEK + glass filler
By adding glass filler to PEEK,
the properties can be modified to suit more demanding requirements such as for
structural applications at elevated temperatures.
- Increased flexural
modulus
- Reduced expansion rate
- Improved high temperature
strength (above 150°C)
- Better resistance to
creep
PEEK + carbon fibre
filler
Carbon fibre filler enhances the
compressive strength and stiffness of PEEK and provides optimum wear and load
bearing capabilities at elevated temperatures.
- Better compressive
strength
- Improved wear
resistance
- Higher thermal
conductivity
- Excellent load bearing
characteristics
PPS
(polyphenylenesulphide)
A high temperature resistant
thermoplastic offering broad chemical resistance and minimal moisture
absorbtion. Can be machined to close tolerances. Ideal for structural
applications in corrosive environments. Good alternative to PEEK at lower
temperatures.
- Resistant to solvent below
200°C
- Minimal moisture
absorbtion
- Inert to steam, strong bases
and acids
- Very low coefficient of
expansion
- Excellent electrical
properties
PPS + glass filler
Most commonly used form of
PPS
- Better dimensional
stability
- Improved strength at elevated
temperatures
- Enhanced thermal
performance
PPS + Carbon Fibre
Sometimes referred to as 'bearing
grade' is used for thrust and wear applications or when electrical conductivity
is required.
- Lower coefficient of
expansion
- Higher wear resistance
- Anti-static / electrically
dissipating
PI (polyimide)
Also known by trade names such as
Vespel®, and Duratron®, polyimide is a high temperature thermoset
resin.
- Very low wear rates and high
PV
- Low abrasion/wear on mating
surfaces
- Very low impurities making it
ideal for semi-conductor applications
- Excellent strength at
elevated temperatures
Fillers such
as graphite can be added to improve wear resistance, reduce expansion rates and
enhance toughness.
PVDF
(polyvinylidenefluoride)
A fluoropolymer offering excellent chemical resistance combined with good
mechanical and electrical properties.
PFA (perfluoroalkoxy)
First developed as a melt processable version of PTFE. Offering very similar
properties to PTFE with less resistance to temperatures above
250°C.
FEP (fluorinated ethylene
propylene)
A fluorinated polymer for use in aggressive chemical and high purity
environments up to 205°C.
PCTFE
(polychlorotetrafluoroethylene)
A high performance polymer used extensively in cryogenic applications by
retaining properties down to -200°C. Good all round chemical
resistance.
ETFE
(ethylenetetrafluoroethylene)
A strong and tough copolymer exhibiting good mechanical and chemical resistance
properties up to 150°C. Better mechanical and abrasion resistance than
PTFE and other fluoropolymers. Also known as Tefzel®.
PTFE
(polytetrafluoroethylene)
A highly crystalline thermoplastic polymer which retains its shape above its
melting point. Also known by trade names such as Teflon®, Fluon® and
Hostaflon®. See
PTFE and PTFE Compounds for more details.
ACETAL (polyoxymethylene /
polyformadehyde)
Also known by trade names such as Delrin®, Hostaform® and Kematal®.
A strong and rigid thermoplastic suitable for a range of applications including
medical and food. Low water absorbtion makes it ideal replacement for nylon in
aqueous environments.
UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene)
A thermoplastic material offering exceptional resilience, wear resistance and
impact strength, even at cryogenic temperatures. Very good electrical insulator
and FDA compliant.
HDPE (high density
polyethylene)
An engineering polymer used extensively in food processing machines due to its
low coefficient of friction and good wear properties. Very good low temperature
performance and excellent electrical resistance.
Nylon 6 (polyimide)
Engineering thermoplastic with good strength, stiffness and toughness. High
water absorbtion precludes use for precision components in contact with
water
Nylon 6,6 (polyimide)
Better mechanical properties than Nylon 6 and more suited to applications
requiring dimensional stability to water.
Back
|
