Solvay debuts high stiffness grade polymer KetaSpire PEEK

Solvay Specialty Polymers has announced the introduction of a new high stiffness grade of KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that provides 50% greater modulus/stiffness than standard neat PEEK grades. Despite its higher stiffness, the new grade, KetaSpire KT-825, retains the elongation and toughness that is comparable to that of neat PEEK resin for structural applications in transportation, electronics, semiconductor, and oil and gas.

 

Solvay Specialty Polymers has announced the introduction of a new high stiffness grade of KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that provides 50% #

KetaSpire KT-825 utilizes a proprietary additive and compounding technology that allows the unique combination of high stiffness, excellent ductility, and low specific gravity of 1.35 compared to 1.30 for neat PEEK. The new grade bridges the performance gap between unfilled PEEK and traditional glass fiber reinforced or carbon fiber reinforced PEEK grades, according to Jamal El-Hibri, principal scientist for Solvay Specialty Polymers.

 

Solvay Specialty Polymers has announced the introduction of a new high stiffness grade of KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that provides 50% #

Unfilled PEEK offers ductility, good impact resistance and isotropic properties, but often lacks sufficient stiffness and strength, while reinforced PEEK grades are typically the opposite – very strong and stiff materials but comparatively brittle. “KT-825 combines the ductility and toughness attributes of neat PEEK with the increased stiffness of reinforced grades while retaining the desirable low anisotropy in resin properties along the flow and cross flow directions,” explained El-Hibri.

 

Solvay Specialty Polymers has announced the introduction of a new high stiffness grade of KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that provides 50% #

The heat deflection temperature (HDT) at 1.84 MPa (264 psi) of KT-825 is 10°C (18°F) higher than standard unfilled PEEK. Meanwhile, the modulus of KT-825 is 50% greater than that of the natural resin at temperatures below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PEEK (150°C/302°F). At temperatures above the Tg, the tensile and flexural moduli are two times that of unfilled PEEK. As a result, KT-825 is a more robust material than unfilled PEEK for use in applications that approach or slightly exceed operating temperatures of 150°C (302°F).

 

Solvay Specialty Polymers has announced the introduction of a new high stiffness grade of KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that provides 50% #

While the tensile strength of KT-825 is unchanged from that of standard unfilled PEEK, the flexural strength is about 10% higher. From a rheological standpoint, the new compound is easily processed due to a melt viscosity that is similar to that of a 30% glass fiber reinforced PEEK compound (e.g., KT-820 GF30). In its natural (uncolored) state, KT-825 has a uniform light beige appearance that is much lighter than natural PEEK grades currently available on the market.

 

Solvay Specialty Polymers has announced the introduction of a new high stiffness grade of KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that provides 50% #

Testing in accordance with the UL-94 vertical burn procedure demonstrates that KT-825 is capable of meeting UL’s V-0 flammability resistance requirements at a thickness of 0.8 mm (0.03 in), providing an advantage over other commercial neat PEEK grades, which do not meet the UL 94 V-0 flammability rating requirements at this thickness. Neat PEEK grades are typically rated V-0 at 1.5 to 3.2 mm (0.06 to 0.13 in); however, published literature indicates that neat PEEK does not demonstrate robust V-0 performance at 1.5-mm (0.06 in) thickness.

 

Solvay Specialty Polymers has announced the introduction of a new high stiffness grade of KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that provides 50% #