ABSTRACT
Polyetherether ketone (PEEK) resin was first developed [1-3] in 1977 by ICI, and commercialized in 1978. Victrex, United Kingdom, started with the original invention and patent of VICTREX PEEK polymer in 1978, and currently is “unrivaled” in the global [2-5] PEEK polymer research and development. Victrex became an independent company due to a management buyout from ICI in 1993 [2,6]. Victrex PEEK resins are available in molding (granule and powder), film, and coating forms. Other companies involved in PEEK polymer development and production activities include, but are not limited to,
• Solvay Advanced Polymers (AvaSpire® modified PEEK) • Quadrant (Ketron: extruded rods and sheets) • Gharda Chemicals Ltd., India (120,000 pounds per year, online, 2003) • Oxford Performance Materials (OPM PEKK-polyetherketoneketone)
PEEK polymer is a linear, aromatic, semicrystalline thermoplastic resin that is characterized by a unique combination of properties such as
• Excellent specific strength • Excellent specific stiffness • Dimensional stability • Chemical and wear resistance • High-temperature stability • Inherent flammability resistance • Harsh environments performance • Ease of processing
Being semicrystalline, about 30%–40%, PEEK resins are opaque (gray/light brown) to brown and black colored. PEEK resin has a high melting point of
about 334°C and glass transition temperature of about 150°C (Table 24.1). This unique combination of characteristics makes PEEK resin a choice material in very many innovative applications of agriculture, aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, food, medical, and other industries.
