PCTFE vs. PEEK
Compare PCTFE and PEEK to identify the best option for your project
Differences Between PCTFE and PEEK
PCTFE is a fluoropolymer material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability. It has excellent chemical and radiation resistance and good flammability characteristics. PCTFE has a broad temperature range, good resistance to cold flow, and it has the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion of any unfilled fluoropolymer.
PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a high-performance engineering plastic with outstanding resistance to harsh chemicals, and excellent mechanical strength and dimensional stability. PEEK has a broad operating temperature range, offers hydrolysis resistance to steam, and maintains stiffness at high temperatures.
PCTFE Material Characteristics |
PEEK Material Characteristics |
|---|---|
| • Broad chemical resistance • High compressive strength • Good resistance to creep (cold-flow) for a fluoropolymer • Retention of ductility at cryogenic temperatures • Relatively stable thermal expansion coefficient across temperature extremes • High purity • Very low gas permeability (excellent barrier properties) • Excellent flammability characteristics and oxygen compatibility • Good radiation resistance |
• Broad chemical resistance • High strength, stiffness, and creep resistance to deformation at high temperatures • Excellent mechanical properties down to -85°F • Retention of ductility at cold temperatures • Maximum service temperatures approaching 500°F • Excellent dimensional stability |
PCTFE Applications |
PEEK Applications |
| • Cryogenic and chemical processing components • Seals and gaskets • Aerospace valve seats, pump parts, impellers, diaphragms, and plugs • Laboratory instruments • Nuclear service/high radiation exposure • Liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen valve lining |
• Semiconductor machinery components • Aerospace parts • Bushings, bearings, seals, and back-up rings • Pump and valve components • Vacuum wand handles • Down hole electrical connectors • Medical instrument parts • Food processing machinery components |
PCTFE Common Brands |
PEEK Common Brands |
| • Neoflon®, Kel-F®, Aclon® | • TECAPEEK®, SustaPEEK, Ketron® |
Typical Properties of PCTFE vs. PEEK
| Property | Units | ASTM Test |
PCTFE | PEEK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity | - | D792 | 2.11 - 2.17 | 1.32 |
| Water absorption (immersion 24 hours) | % | D570 | 0 | 0.5 |
| Tensile strength | psi | D638 | 4,860 - 5,710 | 14,000 |
| Elongation | % | D638 | 100 - 250 | 60 |
| Izod impact (notched) | ft-lbs/in | D256 | 2.5 - 3.5 | 1.6 |
| Flexural strength | psi | D790 | 9,570 - 10,300 | 24,600 |
| Flexural modulus | psi | D790 | 200,000 - 243,000 | 590,000 |
| Dielectric strength (short term) | V/mil | D149 | 500 | 480 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | in/in/°Fx10-5 | D696 | 3.9 | 2.6 |
| Coefficient of friction (dynamic) | - | - | - | 0.25 |
| Maximum continuous service temperature in air | °F | - | 380 | 480 |
| Hardness | scale as noted | D785, D2240 |
Shore D 90 | M105, R126, Shore D 85 |
Values may vary according to brand name. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand.
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