What is PEEK: Everything You Need to Know

PEEK

PTFE compounds filled with PEEK, benefit from increased thermal resistance, sliding properties, and surface toughness. They have superior properties in dynamic applications. Up to 20% can be added to PTFE compounds.

In general, the effects of PTFE compounds filled with fillers or additives include:

Result in outstanding PTFE properties at low and high temperatures.

Increases the porosity of PTFE compounds, and thereafter affects electrical properties. Dielectric strength reduces, while the dielectric constant and dissipation factor increases.

The type of filler or additive used has a significant impact on the PTFE chemical properties. Oftentimes, the chemical properties of filled PTFE compounds have reduced quality when compared to those of unfilled resin.

The electrical and thermal conductivity of PTFE is also affected by fillers and additives.

PTFE Applications and Products

As it has been made evident severally in this post, Teflon properties are numerous, which has made them applicable to several sectors. In the next couple of paragraphs, we will be discussing some polytetrafluoroethylene applications.

Electronics & Wire Insulation

The insulation of wiring in aerospace, electronics, and computer applications, such as hookup wire and coaxial cables are the most common use of PTFE as it accounts for nearly half of the total production.

PTFE is very applicable to this sector because it has outstanding dielectric properties, particularly low group velocity dispersion, notably at high radio frequencies, which makes it a good insulator in connector assemblies and cables, as well as printed circuit boards used at microwave frequencies.

This, combined with its high melting temperature property, makes it an excellent high-performance replacement for the weaker, higher dispersion, and lower melting-point polyethylene usually utilized in low-cost applications.

Automotive

Many automobiles use PTFE parts particularly in the air brake systems where over-braided hose constructions are required. It is also ideal for usage on the outside edge of air compressors and this is because PTFE can withstand extremely high temperatures. Teflon material also helps to prevent carbon particle deposits, making it useful in several automobile applications.

Aerospace

In the aerospace industry, major parts like the tubing hoses, hydraulic hoses, and gasoline hoses are all made of PTFE. Most times, they are braided with Kevlar for increased protection. PTFE is also popularly used in applications that require heat temperings, such as water, alcohol, oil, and gasoline. You will also find it in pneumatic and hydraulic systems that are frequently used in the aerospace industry.

Furthermore, in the aerospace sector, PTFE film is frequently used in the fabrication of carbon fiber composites and fiberglass composites. PTFE film is utilized as a barrier between the carbon or fiberglass portion being produced and the breather and bagging materials used to encapsulate the bonding. This film prevents non-production materials from adhering to the component being fabricated, which is usually sticky because of the carbon-graphite or fiberglass piles being pre-pregnant with bismaleimide resin.

Chemically Inert Liners

PTFE is commonly utilized as the liner in hoses for transferring chemicals, expansion joints, and product interchange lines, especially in applications involving acids, alkalis, or other chemicals. It is also found in refrigeration systems and steam pipelines.

Teflon PTFE typically replaces corrugated, stainless steel hoses. And this is solely due to PTFE’s extreme non-reactivity and high-temperature rating. Its frictionless properties let highly viscous liquids flow more freely, and it can be used in applications like brake lines.

Kitchen Utensils

Anyone who has the slightest experience with cooking knows that food tends to adhere to pots, pans, and other similar surfaces.

Formerly, oils and sprays were used to eliminate all traces of food from the kitchen utensils, but since Teflon material properties were discovered to include non-sticking, it has been used in manufacturing kitchen utensils. The introduction of PTFE-treated kitchen utensils provided cooks with a new choice. PTFE-coated cookware creates a non-stick surface that allows food to slip right off easily.

Furthermore, PTFE can withstand high temperatures without losing its initial properties. They break down only at high temperatures higher than those that are expected in a food preparation setting. This feature of PTFE is very valuable in fast food restaurants or any other establishment where food must be prepared quickly. With this, pots and pans only need minimal washing for them to be used again.

Machine Parts

Machine parts can be difficult to keep in good working conditions because they corrode and become unusable over time. In fact, even the passage of time alone is enough to cause any expensive machinery to deteriorate. But PTFE helps prevent this type of damage and extends the machine’s operational life.

The secret to this is in Teflon’s capability to lubricate. When the several moving elements of machines come in touch with one another, they tend to generate a lot of friction. If this is left unchecked, it can result in major damage over time. But Teflon helps to minimize the friction to some extent, which prevents wear and tear.

PTFE is perfect for making machine parts, like gears, bushings, joints, slide plates, pipe linings, bearings, O-rings, and saw blades because of its incredibly low friction quality. In the operation of these parts, there is bound to be a lot of sliding movement, but PTFE’s low friction and self-lubricating property reduce all possible bad effects, thereby extending the life of the machine.

Medicine

PTFE products have been on the market for more than 30 years in both the domestic and foreign medical industries. As a matter of fact, PTFE products have become widely used in all fields of surgery, and it is the world’s leading material used in administering grafts.

Also, PTFE coatings are crucial because they provide over-braid sealing, strength, and simplicity when cleaning and purging medical systems.

All materials used in the medical industry are required to meet very high standards because to some extent, they have the power over life and death. However, PTFE does not just meet these standards, it surpasses them. PTFE’s chemical inertness makes it ideal for fabricating artificial body parts.