PEEK (polyetheretherketone), as a high-performance special engineering plastic, has significant advantages but also limitations. The following is a detailed analysis:
1、 Core advantages
Excellent mechanical performance
The tensile strength reaches 90-100MPa (equivalent to aluminum alloy), and the elastic modulus is 3.6-4.4GPa
Enhanced (30% carbon fiber) bending modulus can reach 8GPa, with fatigue resistance exceeding 20000 cycles
Extreme environmental adaptability
Long term temperature resistance of 260 ℃, short-term ability to withstand high temperatures of 315 ℃, excellent chemical stability (acid and alkali/organic solvents)
The wear rate under vacuum environment is only 1/50 of PTFE
Lightweight and Biocompatibility
Density of 1.3g/cm ³ (1/3 of aluminum alloy), specific strength 8 times that of aluminum alloy
Certified by ISO10993, suitable for orthopedic implants and other medical devices
2、 Main limitations
Cost and processing difficulty
Imported materials are expensive (hundreds to thousands of yuan per kilogram), and the 3D printing design cycle is long (4-5 days)
Specialized equipment is required for processing, and although the value of waste recycling is high, the process is complex
Clinical application limitations
Skull repair requires multi-point titanium nail fixation, which poses a risk of postoperative displacement
Strong biological inertness, poor adhesion to soft tissues, and possible foreign body sensation
Compromise of physical properties
At high temperatures, rigidity is maintained but toughness decreases, with a bending strength of only 24MPa at 200 ℃
Enhanced model (glass fiber) shows significant mechanical performance degradation at high temperatures
3、 Typical application comparison
Domain advantages reflect risk points
Aerospace reduces weight by 30% while withstanding high temperatures of 300 ℃, with costs about 3-5 times higher than traditional metal materials
The probability of requiring secondary surgical adjustment for 3D customized anatomical shapes in medical implants has increased
Self lubrication in industrial manufacturing reduces friction loss by 60%. Long term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to aging
This material is irreplaceable in the pursuit of ultimate performance, but requires a comprehensive evaluation of cost and technical requirements.
