PEEK Thermoplastic Composite Resin (Polyetheretherketone)
Key Features
- 260°C continuous service temperature — highest among processable thermoplastic composites
- Exceptional toughness (GIc 1,700-2,000 J/m²) — 20-25× toughened epoxy
- Thermoplastic — weldable, repairable, and recyclable
- Outstanding chemical resistance including hydrocarbon solvents and strong acids
- Biocompatible — ISO 10993 compliant for medical implant applications
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK, CAS 31694-16-3) is a high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic with exceptional combination of mechanical properties, thermal resistance, and chemical resistance for use as a composite matrix in demanding aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. With a melting point of 343°C and continuous service temperature of 260°C, PEEK-matrix composites bridge the gap between 177°C-cure epoxy and exotic high-temperature thermosets.
Carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK (CF/PEEK, APC-2 tape) is the benchmark high-performance thermoplastic composite, combining PEEK's inherent toughness (GIc 1,700-2,000 J/m²) with carbon fiber's mechanical performance to produce a composite that outperforms 177°C epoxy/CF in toughness, damage tolerance, and high-temperature performance simultaneously. The thermoplastic nature enables weld joining (resistance, ultrasonic, laser welding), repair by re-heating, and component recycling at end of life.
PEEK for composites is available as powder (for flame spraying and powder coating onto fiber), granules for melt extrusion and compounding, and pre-impregnated tapes (UD and woven) for automated fiber placement and press forming. Processing requires temperatures of 370-400°C and specialty tooling. Applications include aerospace primary structure (Airbus A350 clips and brackets), medical devices (bone plates, implants with radiolucency), semiconductor processing components (chemical resistance + purity), and high-performance bearing and seal composites for oil and gas.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 343°C |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent (fuels, acids, bases) |
| CF/PEEK Composite Tg | 143°C |
| GIc (PEEK neat resin) | 1,700-2,000 J/m² |
| Processing Temperature | 370-400°C |
| Tensile Strength (neat) | 100 MPa |
| Continuous Service Temperature | 260°C |
Applications
FAQ
PEEK composite processing at 370-400°C requires specialized equipment: (1) Press forming/stamp forming: heated platen press with temperature capability to 420°C and uniform temperature distribution (±5°C), plus water-cooled platens for rapid cooling from 380°C to <200°C while maintaining consolidation pressure — total cycle time 3-10 minutes for flat/simply curved parts; (2) Autoclave consolidation: autoclave rated for 400°C continuous service (specialty vessels — most standard aerospace autoclaves are rated to 200-220°C only); (3) Automated fiber placement (AFP): laser- or hot-gas-heated head system with 3-5 kW power for in-situ PEEK tape consolidation at 390-410°C nip point temperature; (4) Injection molding: PEEK requires specialty injection molds in P20 or H13 tool steel, barrel temperature 370-400°C, nozzle temperature 380-410°C. Standard aluminum molds and tooling are inadequate for PEEK processing temperatures.
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