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Although both PTFE and PEEK are well established within their respective fields, there are frequently questions around which would better suit a given application. OEMs typically have to make a choice based on technical suitability and hence need to be better informed as to how these materials match up against each other.
Below is a short comparison on properties between these two polymers and can be used a guide to aid new product development.
Parameter PTFE PEEK Preferred material Price Moderately expensive Very expensive PTFE Tensile Strength 25-35 Mpa 90-100 Mpa PEEK Elongation 350-400% 30-40% PTFE Compressive Strength 30-40 Mpa 140 Mpa PEEK Flexural Modulus 495 Mpa 3900 Mpa PEEK Coefficient of Friction 0.03-0.05 0.35-0.45 PTFE Temperature resistance Up to 250°C Up to 250°C NA Dielectric strength 50-150 Kv/mm 50 Kv/mm PTFE Chemical resistance Virtually inert Affected by Sulphuric acid PTFE Coefficient of linear thermal expansion 14 x 10-5/K 5 x 10-5/K PEEK Machine-ability Good Very good PEEKIn a nutshell, applications requiring strength and low levels of deformation would usually employ PEEK, whereas those requiring resistance to voltage or chemicals utilize PTFE. PTFE also rates highly in that it is self-lubricating. This makes it a preferred choice in high wear applications.
The biggest disadvantage of PEEK remains the price. It is roughly 10 times the price of PTFE and as a result has remained a niche polymer, used only in applications where it is absolutely necessary.
PEEK vs PTFE: What are the differences?
PEEK valve seats vs PTFE valve seats
In the current market, PTFE vs PEEK has been holding a very high position of the material value and material performance compared to many other plastics. Currently, both PTFE and PEEK have specific applications corresponding to their properties, but there are still concerns about which one is better for certain applications. To clarify this, below is an analysis of the concepts, technical data, properties and applications of PEEK vs PTFE to help you understand a more realistic comparison of these two materials.
PEEK, also known as Polyetheretherketone, belongs to the group of high performance semi-crystalline thermoplastics. This is a colorless plastic widely used in many technical applications. PEEK has a modulus of 3.6 GPa and possesses a tensile strength of about 90 - 100 MPa. PEEK melts at about 343 °C (662 °F) and has a glass transition temperature of about 143 °C (289 °F). Some types have useful operating temperatures up to 250 °C (482 °F). From here it can be seen that PEEK plastic has a very wide temperature range. Several methods such as injection molding, extrusion or compression molding are often used to shape PEEK plastic. The crystallinity of PEEK and their mechanical properties can be influenced by processing conditions during molding. In terms of properties, PEEK plastic has high mechanical and chemical durability. Evidence can include its ability to be sustainable in non-halogenated environments, strong acids as well as some halogenated compounds and aliphatic hydrocarbons at high temperatures. Additionally, it can completely dissolve sulfuric acid at room temperature. Besides, PEEK plastic also exhibits light weight, flexibility, and low moisture absorption.
PEEK plastic has a chemical durability
Thanks to the properties just mentioned, PEEK plastic is often used to produce piston parts, machinery valves, insulated cables, pumps, etc. PEEK plastic is one of the few plastics that is compatible with many applications. extremely high vacuum. The aerospace, automotive and chemical processing industries have also become fond of PEEK plastic thanks to this property.
Read more: PEEK plastic: Definition and Application
Just like PEEK, PTFE plastic is also a thermoplastic. We may know PTFE by other names such as PolyTetraFluoroEthylene, teflon, fluoropolymer. This is a polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene formed by a chemical reaction that combines particles into large, repeating molecular groups. Tetrafluoroethylene (C2F4), is made by heating chlorodifluoromethane (CHClF2) between 600–700 °C (1,100–1,300 °F). Chlorodifluoromethane is obtained in turn by reacting hydrogen fluoride (HF) with chloroform (CHCl3 ). Tetrafluoroethylene monomers (small, single-unit molecules) are suspended or emulsified in water and then polymerized (bonded into giant, multi-unit molecules) under high pressure in the presence of free radical initiator. The polymer consists of a chain of carbon atoms with two fluorine atoms bonded to each carbon: where the carbon chain is surrounded by fluorine atoms that act as a protective shell. PTFE plastic has quite impressive heat resistance with a very high melting point of up to about 327 ° C. At temperatures below 260°C, PTFE can be used continuously without deterioration.
PTFE is very durable
Some outstanding properties of PTFE include resistance to most corrosive substances, water resistance, extremely low friction coefficient, non-stickiness, and high flexibility. For PTFE, degradation in air by radiation attacks begins to show at a dose of 0.02 Mrad. Applications for manufacturing heat-resistant machinery, machinery in harsh environments, chemical containers and also used in some cooking utensils thanks to its non-stick properties.
Read more: All You Need to Know About PTFE
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PEEK plastic bars
PTFE plastic bars
PEEK plastic has high heat resistance, flexibility, durability
In addition, PEEK plastic also exhibits advantages such as resistance to heat radiation, less flammability, less toxic gases, and less aging due to heat.
PTFE has very high chemical resistance
Besides, PTFE plastic also has good resistance to UV radiation, oxidation, adhesion and water resistance.
Some of PEEK applications
Manufacturers choose PEEK for the above applications thanks to its ability to withstand high pressure in harsh environments and its super durability.
Some of PTFE applications
Petrochemical factory
Thanks to its outstanding durability, PTFE is used in a variety of life applications and technical applications.
In general, in terms of the properties of PTFE vs PEEK, these two plastics both show superior properties compared to other plastics. Although they have similar properties, PTFE vs PEEK have quite different applications. Choosing the right material between PTFE vs PEEK for your product will help maximize product performance as well as optimize investment costs. Visit EuroPlas today to access a wealth of useful articles and data on choosing the right materials for your project!
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