PEEK - Polyether Ether Ketone

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic from the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family. It is classified as ultra-high-performance because it operates continuously at temperatures up to 260°C, resists virtually all known chemicals except concentrated sulfuric acid, is inherently flame retardant (UL 94 V-0), is biocompatible for permanent medical implants, and withstands radiation and repeated sterilization. PEEK can replace metals like stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum in the most demanding aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.

Syntex America supplies a comprehensive portfolio of PEEK grades including unfilled PEEK for medical implants and chemical processing, carbon-fiber reinforced PEEK (10-30% CF) for aerospace structural components and bearing applications, glass-fiber reinforced PEEK (10-30% GF) for electrical and structural applications, bearing and wear grades containing PTFE and graphite for self-lubricating applications, and medical/implantable grade PEEK manufactured under cGMP conditions with ASTM F2026 compliance for permanent surgical implants.

PEEK is used extensively in permanent implantable medical devices because of its biocompatibility (USP Class VI, ISO 10993), radiolucency (transparent to X-rays and CT imaging), and tunable elastic modulus that can approximate cortical bone (reducing stress shielding versus titanium). Common medical applications include spinal fusion cages (interbody devices), cranial reconstruction plates, dental implant abutments, trauma fixation plates and screws, and arthroscopic surgical instruments. Medical-grade PEEK is manufactured under cGMP with full lot traceability per ASTM F2026.

PEEK requires specialized high-temperature processing equipment. Injection molding uses melt temperatures of 370-400°C and mold temperatures of 175-200°C. Standard injection molding machines require barrel, screw, and hot runner components rated for these temperatures. Pre-drying (3 hours at 150°C) is recommended for optimal surface quality. Proper mold temperature is critical: temperatures below 175°C produce amorphous parts with reduced chemical resistance and wear properties. PEEK can also be machined from extruded stock shapes or processed by additive manufacturing using specialized high-temperature 3D printers.

PEEK offers up to 70% weight reduction compared to stainless steel and approximately 45% reduction versus titanium while maintaining comparable or superior performance in many applications. Unlike metals, PEEK is inherently corrosion-resistant, eliminates galvanic coupling in mixed-material assemblies, provides excellent fatigue resistance, and is transparent to radar (enabling use in radome structures). In aerospace, PEEK replaces aluminum brackets, titanium fasteners, and steel bushings. In oil and gas, PEEK replaces Inconel and Hastelloy components in downhole tools. The total cost of ownership is often lower than metals when considering weight savings, corrosion elimination, and extended service intervals.