When we use hot melt engineering plastics, it is always difficult to tell whether to use PEEK vs PTFE. PEEK vs PTFE are two high-performance polymers that are widely used in a variety of industries, and these two materials can be confusing. This article provides an in-depth comparison of PEEK vs PTFE, focusing on their key properties, applications and differences.
PEEK, or Polyether Ether Ketone, is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance. It is commonly used in applications that require high strength, stiffness, and resistance to harsh environments.
PTFE, or telfon, is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. Known for its non-stick properties and high chemical resistance, PTFE is widely used in applications where low friction and resistance to chemicals are crucial.
| Topic | PEEK | PTFE | Preferred Material |
| Density | 1.35g/cm³ | 2.25g/cm³ | PEEK |
| Mechanical Strength | 90-100 MPa | 25-35 MPa | PEEK |
| Temperature Resistance | Withstands continuous use up to 260°C and short-term exposure up to 300°C | Stable up to 260°C | PTFE may creep under mechanical stress at high temperatures, while PEEK maintains its shape, so PEEK is better |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent chemical resistance, but can be affected by concentrated sulfuric acid | Chemically inert, resists almost all chemicals including strong acids and bases | PTFE |
| Wear Resistance | Coefficient of friction: 0.35-0.45 | Ultra-low coefficient of friction: 0.03-0.05 | PTFE |
| Dielectric Strength | 50 kV/mm | 50-150 kV/mm | PTFE |
| Water Absorption | 0.50% | Does not absorb moisture, enhancing insulating properties | PTFE |
| Cost Comparison | More expensive, with granules and powders priced at $70-$150/kg | Relatively lower cost, widely used in various industrial and consumer products, with granules and powders priced at $10-$20/kg | PTFE |
| Recyclability | Easier to recycle and has lower toxicity | Difficult to recycle | PEEK |
PEEK has good processing performance, can be injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, blown film and so on.
PTFE is not suitable for injection molding due to its extremely low fluidity and is generally only suitable for molding, sintering and machining.
PEEK and PTFE are both used as raw materials for seals, see below what is the difference between PEEK vs PTFE sealing
| Comparison Item | PEEK Seals | PTFE Seals |
| Purpose | Used for high-strength, high-pressure, and high-temperature fluid transport and protective tubing. | Used for low-friction, chemically resistant fluid transport and protective tubing. |
| Application | High-pressure pipelines in the oil and gas industryHigh-temperature environments in aerospacePrecision tubing in medical devicesHigh-temperature fluid transport in industrial equipment | Chemical processing and storage equipmentFood processing and pharmaceutical industriesCorrosive gas pipelines in semiconductor manufacturingFluid transport requiring low friction and chemical resistance |
| Mechanical Strength | High mechanical strengthExcellent wear resistanceSuitable for high-pressure applications | Lower mechanical strengthRequires fillers (e.g., glass or carbon fibers) for reinforcementSuitable for medium and low-pressure applications |
| Chemical Resistance | Good resistance to most chemicalsAvoid contact with hydrofluoric acid and some strong acids | Exceptional resistance to nearly all chemicalsExcellent resistance to corrosive chemicals like acids and alkalis |
| Temperature Resistance | Operating temperature range: -75°F to 500°F (-60°C to 260°C)Maintains good mechanical properties at high temperatures | Operating temperature range: -328°F to 600°F (-200°C to 316°C)Maintains stable chemical properties in extreme temperatures |
| Friction Coefficient | Relatively high friction coefficientCan be reduced by adding lubricants (e.g., molybdenum disulfide) or fillers (e.g., carbon fibers) | Extremely low friction coefficientSelf-lubricating properties suitable for dynamic seals and low-friction applications |
| Dimensional Stability | Excellent dimensional stabilityResistant to deformation in high-temperature and high-pressure environments | Lower dimensional stabilitySoft and lacks memory, may creep under prolonged high pressure |
| Cost | Higher material costSuitable for high-performance applications | Lower material costWidely used in general industrial and consumer applications |
| Wear Resistance | Outstanding wear resistanceSuitable for high-wear environments | Good wear resistance (especially when reinforced with fillers)Suitable for medium-wear environments |
| Lubricity | Higher friction coefficientRequires external lubricants or internally added lubricants for improvement | Extremely low friction coefficientSelf-lubricating, no need for additional lubricants |
| Overall Performance | Suitable for applications requiring high mechanical strength, wear resistance, and high-temperature resistanceMainly used for high-temperature fluid transport, protective tubing, and high-pressure applications | Suitable for applications requiring extremely low friction, excellent chemical resistance, and a wide temperature rangeMainly used in chemical processing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and low-friction fluid transport |
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