Industrial components often require reliable coating materials for added protection in certain environments. PEKK is one such coating that offers unique benefits for various industrial applications. Learn more about the properties and benefits PEKK adds to industrial coatings and substrates.
What Is PEKK?
Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) resins are a group of high-performance thermoplastic resins that have high-temperature resistance, chemical resistance, mechanical strength, low flammability, and other beneficial properties.
PEKK falls under the larger umbrella of high-performance polyaryletherketone (PAEK) polymers, which also include polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resins. What sets PEKK apart from other PAEK polymers is its copolymer nature, allowing for modifiable crystallization rates and melting points. As a result, PEKK offers the same level of performance as other PAEK polymers but with easier processing and enhanced layer adhesion.
Benefits of Polyetherketoneketone Coatings
PEKK coatings offer several unique advantages that set them apart from other types of polymer coatings:
- Continuous high-temperature use ranging between 250 °C and 260 °C
- Superior impact, compressive, and tensile strength
- Low flammability, with good fire, smoke, and toxicity (FST) properties
- Reliable chemical resistance to various chemical compounds common in automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, and chemical processing applications
- Consistent dielectric strength in ambient to high temperature settings
- A low coefficient of friction (COF) and great wear resistance
- High abrasion resistance and hardness
Polyetherketoneketone Properties in Industrial Coatings
PEKK’s properties make it ideal for industrial coating applications. For example, PEKK is capable of continuous use in temperatures up to around 260 °C (500 °F). Its chemical resistance enables it to maintain at least 90% of its mechanical strength even following one week of direct exposure to methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), toluene, salts, steam, or other corrosive agents.
PEKK coatings also have a 2:1 ketone/ether ratio, which lends superior modulus, strength, and thermal properties. Its 160-165 °C (320-329 °F) glass transition temperature (Tg) comes with a modulus exceeding these levels. PEKK provides tensile strength from 120 to 140 MPa, 140 to 180 MPa compressive strength, and a 3.6-4.4 GPa modulus.
Aircraft applications frequently require superior FST properties, which PEKK provides as a non-flammable polymer. PEKK’s UL 94 V-O rating without additives highlights its suitability for aerospace applications.
In addition, PEKK coatings offer friction and wear resistance, as well as a low dielectric constant up to a maximum of 220 °C (428 °F). Thus, PEKK is ideal for use as an insulative powder coating in electric vehicle busbars, e-motors, and other types of high-voltage electrical equipment.
Common Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) Applications
Aerospace, Automotive, and Oil and Gas
PEKK’s high temperature and pressure resistance make it popular in the automotive, aerospace, and oil and gas industries. The aerospace and automotive sectors, in particular, favor this material for its superior strength-to-weight ratio, which keeps components lightweight while optimizing their performance and reliability.
Medical and Healthcare
The use of PEKK improves parts’ resistance to electricity, heat, wear, and chemicals. Healthcare applications for PEKK primarily comprise endoscopes, dental instruments, and dialyzers. PEKK can also be used in patient implants and medical devices as a suitable alternative to metal materials.
Electrical and Electronics
Applications in these industries frequently use PEKK because of its electrically insulative properties. For instance, PEKK is found in coaxial connector jacks, surface-mounted trimming potentiometers, hands-free devices, and other surface-mounted devices (SMDs). These components help correct resistance or voltage errors in printed circuit boards. Another PEKK application includes connector pins on control equipment in marine environments.
PEKK by Plas-Tech Coatings
If you need a reliable polymer coating for your components, Plas-Tech’s Kepstan® PEKK powder coatings can meet your requirements. Our high-quality industrial coatings can maximize the longevity and performance of your equipment, whether you’re in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, oil and gas, or other industry.
Request a quote from us today to learn more about our coatings and custom capabilities.