Top Industrial Applications of PEEK Plastic You Should Know

Discover the top industrial applications of PEEK plastic, from aerospace to automotive, and learn why this material is a game-changer for multiple industries.

PEEK plastic is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic found everywhere, and with good reason. The demand for PEEK grows due to its unique characteristics and incredible mechanical, thermal, and exceptional chemical properties.

Starting from the aerospace, automotive, medical, and even electronics sectors, it has become a go-to material for many more challenging applications. Discover the revolutionary applications of this advanced semi-crystalline organic polymer across different industries.

Common Applications of Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)

Here, we have a complete list of applications where PEEK is effectively implemented.

Automotive

The most notable usage of PEEK is in the automobile industry. PEEK is lighter than the other traditional materials used in automobiles, so it can help reduce the overall weight of the engine compartment and improve fuel efficiency.

PEEK is great at dampening sound, which reduces the noise that comes from the engine.

i) Automotive Parts: The big advantage of PEEK in automotive applications is its superior wear resistance capacity and good stability. It is an excellent alternative to traditional materials like metals in automotive systems with almost no tolerances and ensures ultimate safety.
ii) Bearings and Bushings: PEEK has a low coefficient of friction and high lubrication properties. Thus, it is an excellent choice for automobile bearings and bushings, as it helps to withstand high loads and extreme temperature conditions. Also, as PEEK components don’t require lubrication, you will get long-term performance benefits.
iii) Piston Parts, Pumps, and Seals: Similar to bearings, PEEK is a popular choice for various engine components, such as piston parts, pumps, and seals for turbochargers. Its high-quality properties and robustness ensure efficient engine operation.

Aerospace

Polyetheretherketone is widely found in the aerospace industry as a high-performance thermoplastic. Its versatile polymer properties with the added composites give it the needed strength and stiffness for several aircraft parts.

PEEK can be molded or formed directly into complex shapes. This saves both cost and time associated with the aircraft parts manufacturing steps.
It is mainly used to manufacture protective tubing for wires and fiber optic filaments in aircraft electrical systems to give additional safeguards to sensitive electronic components.
The erosion properties in PEEK help it withstand the wear and tear caused by rain impact, which is essential for aircraft surfaces.
Furthermore, the polymer’s flame retardancy and low emissions of smoke and toxic gases are important to increase safety in the event of a fire. This property reduces hazards for passengers and crew.

Medical Prosthetics and Implants

PEEK is the preferred thermoplastic used in direct medical sectors. Its exceptional biocompatibility does not cause harmful reactions when implanted or used in medical devices.

Here are some notable medical devices where you will find PEEK:

i) Dental Instruments: PEEK has several excellent properties that affect work in different fields of dentistry, including implants, removable dentures, orthodontic wires, crowns, healing caps, maxillofacial prostheses, and so on. In every instance, it possesses a unique strength-to-weight ratio and ensures patients’ safety.
ii) Surgical Instruments: Autoclaving and repeated sterilization cycles are common in surgical processes. Due to its lightweight and durable nature, PEEK used in surgical instruments can go through these processes many times without getting damaged.
iii) Medical Devices: PEEK is also used in dialyzers, endoscopy, catheters, and different pacemaker components. It withstands different sterilization processes, which is essential for medical instruments, especially to prevent infections.

Electrical/Electronic

PEEK possesses excellent electrical properties, and for this reason, you will find this thermoplastic used in the electric and electronic market. Especially the high dielectric strength and extremely low moisture absorption make it an ideal option to use in cable insulations, connectors, insulators, coil bobbins, and many more.

PEEK maintains its strength and rigidity under load, which is essential to continue the functionality of the structural components of electronic devices. Here is a list of the common devices where PEEK is used:

Mobile phones
Wearable electronics
Computers
Refrigerators
Washing machines
Air conditioners

PEEK is also used in hands-free telephone kits and SMDs, where PEEK helps correct voltage or resistance errors on printed circuit boards. In underwater control equipment, PEEK serves as an insulator to protect the electronic connections.

Food Processing Equipment

PEEK coating is the preferred choice for food processing equipment and cookware.The coatings are smooth, uniform, and resistant to scratching and marring. The best part is that the PEEK is FDA-approved, which makes it safe for food contact.

Another obvious reason to use PEEK here is that it won’t react with biological material and can withstand the high heat that food processing demands.

Besides, it provides the needed robustness in components in food processing equipment, like filling nozzles, scrapers, valves, mixing paddles, and bushings. PEEK’s ability to resist degradation from cleaning agents ensures safety and hygiene.

Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturers

Beyond all the above, PEEK is the proper choice for semiconductor production as it meets the high-grade demand for the effective functioning of these elements. Look at the details of how effective it is in this industry.

Semiconductor equipment generally uses wet benches for chemical treatments like etching and cleaning. The chemicals and temperature-resistant properties of PEEK replace metal screws and fasteners in these specific settings and avoid corrosion.
Chip manufacturers also use PEEK to save equipment from damage caused by powerful and corrosive hydrofluoric acid.
You will find PEEK used in HPLC. PEEK components, such as tubing and column parts, withstand aggressive solvents and high pressures used in these systems.

Oil and Geothermal Wells

PEEK is highly resistant to different hydrocarbons, including fuels, oils, and lubricants. For this, it is an ideal choice for oil and gas exploration and production equipment. It is used in seals, connectors, and valves where you need to ensure durability and stability.

These are platforms where materials must withstand extreme conditions and high pressures, and the exclusive properties of PEEK effectively meet those.