CEH Report

Table of Contents

Abstract

Aromatic ketone polymers, sometimes referred to as polyaryletherketones (PAEKs), are a family of crystalline thermoplastics characterized by outstanding thermal stability, mechanical properties and chemical resistance. The family of aromatic ketone polymers includes

• Polyetheretherketone (PEEK™)
• Polyetherketone (PEK)
• Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK)

PEEK is the dominant type of aromatic ketone polymer, accounting for approximately 85–95% of world production. Aromatic ketone polymers have the highest unit price among all high performance polymers; the list price ranges from $85 to $110 per kilogram as of December 2008. Aromatic ketone polymers are approximately ten times more expensive than polysulfones or polyphenylene sulfides and five times more expensive than liquid crystalline polymers. However, aromatic polyketones exhibit the following combination of characteristics, which are unmatched by other high performance polymers, and thus justify their high prices:

• Outstanding high-temperature performance
• Excellent combustion-resistance properties
• Unique combination of strength, stiffness, impact resistance and elongation, as well as high wear resistance
• Good resistance to virtually all organic chemicals
• Good electrical properties, including high dielectric strength and good insulating properties over a wide range of frequencies and temperatures

The following pie chart shows world consumption of aromatic ketone polymers:

Because of their unique set of outstanding properties, aromatic ketone polymers have found increasing uses in many critical applications in industrial, transportation, electronic and medical markets.

During 2008–2013, world consumption is expected grow at an average annual rate of 8.4%. Western Europe, the United States, China and India are forecast to grow 5%, 10%, 15% and 15%, respectively. Victrex, the dominant producer, has been investing heavily in developing new applications and markets to seed future growth.