PEEK plus glass fiber, Carbon fiber, Graphite, Polytetrafluoroethylene, Ceramics
Polymer Filled PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) is a high-performance thermoplastic composite. By adding fillers such as carbon fiber, graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) into pure PEEK resin in specific proportions, the material’s mechanical strength, wear resistance, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability are significantly enhanced. Common types include carbon fiber reinforced PEEK and graphite/PTFE modified PEEK.
Polymer Filled PEEK exhibits very high heat resistance, with a long-term continuous use temperature of up to 260°C and short-term tolerance exceeding 300°C. Its heat deflection temperature is above 315°C. Its low-temperature performance is also excellent, maintaining good mechanical properties down to -60°C.
The material possesses outstanding tribological properties: a low coefficient of friction (typically 0.10-0.20), extremely low wear rate, and self-lubricating characteristics, enabling stable operation even under oil-free or water-lubricated conditions. The addition of carbon fiber greatly improves creep resistance and compressive strength; the addition of graphite and PTFE further reduces surface friction.
Polymer Filled PEEK also offers excellent chemical resistance. It is virtually insoluble in all organic solvents and most acids and alkalis except for concentrated sulfuric acid, making it suitable for harsh chemical environments. Its mechanical strength is high, with tensile strength reaching 100-200 MPa and flexural modulus exceeding 10 GPa, alongside outstanding fatigue resistance and radiation resistance.
Furthermore, Polymer Filled PEEK materials comply with environmental standards like RoHS and REACH. Certain grades also offer biocompatibility for food contact and medical applications.
Polymer Filled PEEK seals, namely sealing rings, gaskets, glide rings, and backup rings manufactured from carbon-fiber-reinforced or PTFE-modified PEEK, are widely used in industrial fields demanding extreme high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, low wear, and long service life.
Oil & Gas Industry: In downhole tools, valves, pipeline connectors, and pressure sealing systems, Polymer Filled PEEK seals withstand high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive media containing H₂S and CO₂. They replace traditional metal and elastomer seals, significantly extending maintenance intervals.
Chemical & Pharmaceutical Industry: Used for static and dynamic seals in reactors, centrifugal pumps, compressors, and high-pressure homogenizers. Their resistance to strong acids and solvents prevents media leakage, ensuring process safety and product purity.
Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing: In plasma etching, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), wet cleaning equipment, Polymer Filled PEEK seals provide sealing solutions with low particle generation, high temperature resistance, and plasma impact resistance, avoiding metal contamination.
Automotive & Transportation: Used for rotary and reciprocating seals in automatic transmissions, electric drive units, air conditioning compressors, and fuel cell stacks. Their low friction and self-lubricating properties reduce energy loss, improving fuel economy or electrical efficiency.
Aerospace: Applied to static and dynamic seals in hydraulic actuators, fuel pumps, flight control systems, and engine accessories. Polymer Filled PEEK seals meet the demanding requirements of aviation for lightweight construction, resistance to high-low temperature cycling, and resistance to hydraulic fluids.
Food & Beverage Machinery: In filling valves, steam sterilization cabinets, and high-speed packaging equipment, food-grade compliant Polymer Filled PEEK seals withstand frequent high-temperature CIP cleaning and steam erosion without releasing harmful substances.
Furthermore, Polymer Filled PEEK seals are widely used in injection molding machinery (oil-free lubricating piston rings), vacuum equipment (wear-resistant guide rings), textile machinery, analytical instruments, robot reducers, and hydrogen energy equipment, among other advanced manufacturing fields.
In summary, due to their excellent heat resistance, wear resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength, Polymer Filled PEEK seals have become an ideal alternative to metal, rubber, and other plastic seals, providing critical support for sealing reliability under extreme operating conditions.