MATERIALS:  Solvay Advanced Polymers‘ broad portfolio of  KetaSpire^® polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and AvaSpire^® modified PEEK resins now includes five wear-resistant grades. These formulations provide an effective all-plastic alternative to more complex metal-based designs with rolling components for high-temperature friction and wear applications in lubricated and non-lubricated environments. The offering includes two KetaSpire PEEK products and three AvaSpire modified PEEK materials designed for high-performance injection molded applications, including seal rings, thrust washers, brake components, gears, and needle bearing replacements for the automotive, industrial, and heavy-duty equipment industries.KetaSpire PEEK is one of the industry’s most chemically resistant plastics, offering excellent strength, superior fatigue resistance, and a heat deflection temperature up to 315C (599F). In this product family, KT-820 SL30 is a graphite/carbon fiber/PTFE-filled grade for non-lubricated and lubricated applications. In non-lubricated environments, it features a limiting PV value (contact pressure times velocity) of 75,000 psi x fpm and exceptional ease of processing, according to Brian Stern, senior global automotive market manager for Solvay Advanced Polymers. The line also includes KT-820 SL45, a carbon fiber/PTFE grade for lubricated environments.

The AvaSpire line of proprietary PEEK-based compounds includes AV-755 SL45, a carbon fiber/graphite-filled grade for high load-bearing applications in lubricated environments. Two carbon fiber/graphite/PTFE-filled grades include AV-742 SL30 (high melt flow) and AV-722 SL30 (low melt flow) for both non-lubricated and lubricated environments. An important advantage of all AvaSpire grades is their comparable strength and modulus, and equivalent or better chemical resistance versus comparable PEEK grades at up to a 30 percent cost reduction.

- Edited by Liz Taurasi