PEEK vs PA6: Comparative analysis of high performance polymers

In the world of engineering plastics PEEK (polyetheretherketone) и PA6 (polyamide 6, or nylon 6) are some of the most sought-after materials, each with unique characteristics for specific applications. Both materials are known for their excellent mechanical properties, but their application depends on specific conditions. In this comparison, we will examine the differences between PEEK and PA6, analyzing their mechanical properties, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and overall suitability for a variety of high-performance applications.

Mechanical properties: strength and durability

When it comes to strength and durability, PEEK is a superior material. It has an exceptional tensile strength of up to 100 MPa and maintains its structural integrity even under extreme conditions. PEEK is also known for its high impact toughness and ability to withstand heavy loads without deformation. This makes it an ideal choice for use in industries such as aerospace, automotive and medical devices.

Comparison, PA6 also has high strength, but it is more suitable for medium-intensity loads. The tensile strength of PA6 ranges from 50 to 80 MPa depending on the type and degree of reinforcement. PA6 is valued for its flexibility and impact toughness, but its performance is inferior to PEEK under heavy loads. Despite this, PA6 is widely used in automotive parts, consumer products and packaging due to its availability and cost effectiveness.

Heat resistance: performance at high temperatures

PEEK is known for its high temperature resistance. It can withstand temperatures up to 260°C continuously, making it ideal for high temperature applications. PEEK retains its mechanical properties even at high temperatures, making it a reliable choice for industries such as aerospace, oil and gas and electronics. In addition, PEEK has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means minimal dimensional changes with temperature fluctuations.

PA6 has a lower temperature resistance than PEEK, with a maximum operating temperature of about 120°C. Although PA6 can be used under moderate heat conditions, it is not suitable for prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. PA6 loses its structural integrity when temperature limits are exceeded.

Chemical resistance: resistant to aggressive media

PEEK demonstrates excellent chemical resistancewithstands a wide range of chemicals including acids, alkalis and organic solvents. This makes PEEK ideal for use in corrosive environments such as chemical processing and medical applications where corrosive substances are present. PEEK is also highly resistant to hydrolysis, making it a good choice for parts in contact with water or steam.

PA6Although it has good chemical resistance, it is inferior to PEEK in this aspect. It is resistant to oils, fuels and mild chemicals, but is more susceptible to degradation by strong acids or alkalis. PA6 also absorbs moisture more strongly than PEEK, which can affect its mechanical properties and dimensional stability over time, especially in high humidity environments.

Wear and friction: the optimum choice for moving parts

PEEK are often chosen for applications with high levels of friction and wear. Its low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance make it an excellent material for moving parts such as bearings, bushings and gears. PEEK retains its wear properties even under high temperatures and loads, making it the material of choice in this category.

PA6Although it has good wear resistance, it cannot match PEEK under high load and friction conditions. PA6 parts wear faster, especially under high loads or if not properly lubricated. However, PA6 remains popular for less loaded mechanical parts where friction and wear are not key factors.

Economic aspects: performance to cost ratio

One of the main differences between PEEK and PA6 is their cost. PEEK is significantly more expensive than PA6, due to its high performance and manufacturing complexity. This makes PEEK the preferred choice for mission-critical applications where failures are unacceptable and where cost is not a major factor.

PA6In contrast, it is a more affordable and widely used material. It is often used where good mechanical properties are required but the extreme performance parameters of PEEK are not needed. For manufacturers looking for a balance between performance and cost, PA6 offers an economical solution that can meet many engineering requirements.

Application: finding the right material

Thanks to its outstanding mechanical properties, chemical resistance and heat resistance, PEEK is typically used in high-end and demanding applications. It can be found in aerospace components, medical devices (e.g. implants) and industrial parts exposed to harsh environments. Its reliability under extreme conditions makes it indispensable for critical applications where failures can be too costly.

PA6in turn, is widely used in automotive partsIt is used in applications such as housings, gears and connectors, as well as in the consumer goods, packaging and textile industries. Its versatility and lower cost make it ideal for medium duty applications where a good combination of strength, flexibility and availability is required.

Both materials, PEEK and PA6, are valuable in the world of engineering plastics, but they perform different tasks. PEEK - is the choice for extreme environments where exceptional performance in terms of strength, heat and chemical resistance is required. While PA6 offers a more affordable solution for a wide range of applications where good mechanical properties are required without the need for extreme durability. When choosing between these materials, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your application, balancing performance, operating conditions and budget to make the best decision.