High Performance Polymers

High-performance polymers are located at the top of the polymer pyramid and represent about 700,000 tonnes or only 0.2% of all man-made polymers. They are typically much more difficult to produce and are generally more expensive. However, as the difficulty of producing the polymer increases, so does the performance of the resultant polymer. High performance polymers is a group of polymer materials that are known to retain its desirable mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties when subjected to harsh environment such as high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive chemicals. These are slowly replacing traditional materials because of their strength-to-weight ratios and other economic advantages over aluminum or other metals.

High Performance Polymers subcategories

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) PEEK

PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic material that is an excellent choice for demanding applications. It withstands high temperatures & is resistant to chemicals and radiation. PEEK can be used continuously in operating temperatures up to 480° F and in hot water or steam with no compromise to its physical properties. PEEK offers wear, moisture and chemical resistance along with exceptional strength, dimensional stability and stiffness. Because of its high-performance, PEEK is used in many challenging environments in the medical, nuclear, chemical processing and aerospace industries. PEEK is easily machined.

Applications:

Wear rings
Valve seats
Aerospace components
Bearings
Compressor seals, etc.

Polyphenylene suplhide (PPS)

PPS is a semi-crystalline polymer offering excellent properties in high temperature and chemical resistance as well as dimension stability. Because of its inherent flame retardancy PPS is often used for electrical applications requiring high temperature resistance. Due to its low viscosity PPS can be moulded even with high loading of fillers and reinforcements.

Applications:

Engine interior parts
Car lamp sockets
Electronics and electrical components
Can be used as an alternative to thermosetting materials and metals.

Polyetherimide (PEI)

Polyetherimide (PEI) is a high performance engineering thermoplastic. PEI’s characteristics include high strength and rigidity at elevated temperatures, long term heat resistance, dimensional stability and good electrical properties. PEI has outstanding dimensional stability and is inherently flame retardant. PEI does resist chemicals, such as hydrocarbons, alcohols and halogenated solvents. Creep resistance over the long term allows PEI to replace metal and other materials in many structural applications. Electrical properties show excellent stability under variable temperature, humidity and frequency conditions.

Applications:

Transmission components
Throttle bodies
Ignition components
Thermostat housings
Bezels
Reflectors
Lamp sockets
Electromechanical systems such as fuses, gears, bearings, solenoid bodies, ignition switches and oil pump drives.