Polyetheretherketone

          Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a semi-crystalline aromatic polymer having both ether and ketone linkages. PEEK is the most popular member of the polyaryletherketone family and the first to be fully commercialized. It is generally prepared by reacting 1,4-benzenediol with 4,4′ -difluorobenzenophenone in polar aprotic solvents (e.g., diphenyl sulfone) in the presence of alkali-metal carbonates. The reaction takes place in an inert atmosphere at temperatures approaching the melting point of the polymer (> 300 ◦C). Table shows the typical properties of PEEKs. PEEK exhibits excellent mechanical and dielectric properties, coupled with outstanding flame resistance and good chemical resistance. It is also hydrolytically stable and has good wear resistance.

          All these properties are retained at high temperatures, which generally make PEEK an excellent polymer for bearings, piston parts, pumps, compressor plate valves, and cable insulation used in chemical process industries. It is estimated that the market worth of PEEK will be $664 million (USD) by 2021 due to its emerging use in medical industry as a result of its lightweight and increased biocompatibility. PEEK is also used in automotive, aerospace, textile, and electrical/electronic applications. However, its high cost and very high molding and extrusion temperature requirement are the major disadvantages.

Typical properties of PEEKs:

          Currently, PEEK-based materials are used as liners for slicklines, wirelines, drilling jars, and drill pipes in downhole oil and gas drilling and exploration. PEEK is particularly chosen because of its tensile strength, chemical resistance, ductility, and thermal stability. PEEK can serve as barrier for protecting metallic structures from corrosive and abrasive fluids, and gases present during downhole operations. PEEK is also being used as housing for radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for tracking equipment used during drilling and production of oil and gas wells. PEEK is a preferred choice of material for sealing, connectors, and valve seats in subsea offshore oil and gas production systems due to its exceptional resistance to harsh conditions and corrosive environments including the presence of hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, steam, and seawater at elevated temperatures.

          In the oil and gas industry, offshore operations are generally riskier compared to onshore activities. Improper selection of materials for pipe sealants, connectors, wirelines, and the like can lead to oil spills, release of harmful and flammable gaseous compounds, and other catastrophic incidents which may result in injuries and casualties. Our commercial PEEK product is ideal for use as material of construction for equipment used in subsea exploration, exhibits an excellent blend of mechanical strength and resistance against varying temperatures and pressures, and weathering conditions. We sell PEEK polymer products ranging from unfilled, depth-filtered, and glass-filled to carbon-filled and wear-resistant grades. PEEK is one of the highest performing semicrystalline thermoplastics available today.