PEEK, or Polyetheretherketone, is a high-performance thermoplastic material that is widely used in various industries due to its excellent mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. Victrex PEEK is one of the most popular brands of PEEK, and it comes in different grades to cater to different applications. In this article, we will discuss the different grades of Victrex PEEK and why they are different, as well as the applications for which they are best suited.
Firstly, it is important to note that Victrex PEEK comes in three main grades: unfilled, filled, and reinforced. The unfilled grade of Victrex PEEK is a virgin, unmodified material that is used in applications that require excellent chemical resistance, high-temperature stability, and high strength. The filled grade of Victrex PEEK contains various additives, such as glass fibres, carbon fibres, and/or graphite, to enhance its mechanical properties, such as stiffness, strength, and wear resistance. The reinforced grade of Victrex PEEK, on the other hand, contains continuous fibres, such as carbon or glass, that are embedded in the polymer matrix to provide exceptional mechanical properties, such as high modulus, high strength, and high fatigue resistance.
Now let's look at the different grades of Victrex PEEK in more detail and the applications for which they are best suited.
Unfilled Grade: The unfilled grade of Victrex PEEK is commonly used in applications where high strength and stiffness are required, along with excellent chemical resistance and high-temperature stability. For example, it is widely used in the chemical processing industry for components such as pump impellers, valves, and seals. It is also used in the aerospace industry for parts such as electrical connectors, cable insulation, and bearings. Additionally, the unfilled grade of Victrex PEEK is used in the medical industry for components such as surgical instruments, orthopeadic implants, and dental implants.
Filled Grade: The filled grade of Victrex PEEK is used in applications where even higher mechanical properties are required, such as increased stiffness, strength, and wear resistance. It is often used in the automotive industry for parts such as gears, bearings, and bushings. It is also used in the electronics industry for components such as connectors, switches, and sockets. In addition, the filled grade of Victrex PEEK is used in the oil and gas industry for parts such as valves, pumps, and seals, where excellent chemical and wear resistance are required.
Reinforced Grade: The reinforced grade of Victrex PEEK is used in applications where exceptional mechanical properties are required, such as high modulus, high strength, and high fatigue resistance. It is commonly used in the aerospace industry for parts such as brackets, panels, and fittings. It is also used in the automotive industry for components such as suspension components, brake systems, and engine parts. In addition, the reinforced grade of Victrex PEEK is used in the energy industry for components such as bearings, gears, and seals, where high-temperature stability and excellent mechanical properties are required.
In summary, Victrex PEEK comes in three main grades: unfilled, filled, and reinforced. The unfilled grade of Victrex PEEK is used in applications where excellent chemical resistance, high-temperature stability, and high strength are required. The filled grade of Victrex PEEK is used in applications where even higher mechanical properties are required, such as increased stiffness, strength, and wear resistance. The reinforced grade of Victrex PEEK is used in applications where exceptional mechanical properties are required, such as high modulus, high strength, and high fatigue resistance. The choice of which grade of Victrex PEEK to use will depend on the specific requirements of the application.