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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/°F × 10-5 | 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 |