PEEK Washer

The optimal balance of chemical, mechanical and thermal properties

• Excellent strength, and stiffness up to 500°F (260°C)
• Low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance
• Chemically resistant to common chemicals
• Low out gassing, low particle generation and inherent purity
• Unique physical, thermal & electrical properties

PEEK washers (chemically known as Polyetheretherketone) offer a unique combination of properties for some of the most extreme applications. PEEK is classified as semicrystalline thermoplastic and high purity polymer, offering excellent mechanical strength and chemical resistance at high temperatures. PEEK washers offer a high strength alternative to PTFE fluoropolymers.

Key Benefits

• Excellent resistance to thermal degradation (chemical decomposition caused by heat).
• Chemically resistance to many oils, alcohols, solvents, and organics as well as harsh acids and bases in low concentrations and temperatures.
• Hydrolysis resistance provides PEEK ability to retain all physical properties when continuously exposed to water or steam at high temperatures and pressures, as well as offer very low moisture absorption.
• Outstanding creep resistance allows PEEK washers to sustain large stresses over long service life.
• Ability to withstand frequent sterilization processes.
• V-0 flammability rating with low smoke and toxic gas emission when exposed to flame.
• Good wear and abrasion resistance.
• Electrical properties are maintained over a wide frequency and temperature range.
• Radiation resistance allows PEEK to be used in or be repeatedly sterilized by, high doses of ionizing radiation.

Options for High Strength
Depending on the application, PEEK washers can be reinforced with glass or carbon fibers for improved strength and stiffness properties. Reinforced PEEK washers offer greater mechanical robustness especially in applications beyond 350°F (175°C).

Applications

• Viewed by the medical community as an advanced biomaterial, PEEK washers are used in medical implants and are compatible with a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• PEEK washers are one of the few plastics compatible with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) which is necessary for many analytic techniques and particle accelerators.
• Chemical processing and pharmaceutical applications depend on PEEK for it’s chemical resistance, high purity and ability to withstand sterilization processes.
• PEEK washers are used in many electronics from cell phones to circuit boards for their lightweight strength and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).