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PAK (Polyarylene Ketone) is a family of high-performance thermoplastic engineering polymers renowned for their exceptional thermal stability (continuous service temperature up to 250℃), superior mechanical strength, and resistance to aggressive chemicals. Designed for extreme environments where traditional plastics (e.g., PEEK, PSU) may fail, PAK exhibits a glass transition temperature (Tg) of ≈150–200℃ (varies by grade) and retains >90% of its mechanical properties after 10,000 hours of heat aging at 200℃ (per ISO 2578). Unlike other high-temperature polymers, it offers a balance of processability (via injection molding, extrusion) and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for aerospace, oil & gas, medical, and industrial equipment. Compliant with ISO 10993-1 (medical biocompatibility) and RoHS 2.0, it is used in critical components like aerospace engine parts, downhole tools, and surgical instruments. Its low moisture absorption (<0.1%) also ensures dimensional stability in humid or wet environments.
PAK’s aromatic backbone structure delivers exceptional thermal performance, with a continuous service temperature of up to 250℃ and short-term heat resistance up to 300℃ (for intermittent use). It retains >90% of its tensile strength (≈90 MPa) and flexural strength (≈130 MPa) after 10,000 hours at 200℃—outperforming PEEK (which retains 80% strength under the same conditions). This makes it ideal for long-term high-temperature applications like aerospace engine components (e.g., turbine blade housings) and industrial oven conveyor parts, where material degradation would lead to catastrophic failure.
PAK boasts excellent mechanical properties across a wide temperature range (–60℃ to 250℃). It has a tensile strength of ≈90 MPa, flexural strength of ≈130 MPa, and Izod notched impact strength of ≈80 J/m (23℃)—even at 200℃, it retains 70% of its room-temperature impact strength. Its low creep deformation (<1% after 1,000 hours at 200℃ under 50 MPa, per ISO 899-1) ensures structural stability for load-bearing components like oil & gas downhole tool housings. For example, PAK downhole valve bodies withstand high pressures (up to 15,000 psi) and temperatures (200℃) without deformation, ensuring reliable fluid control.
PAK is virtually unaffected by most aggressive chemicals, including 98% sulfuric acid, 50% sodium hydroxide, automotive oils, and industrial solvents (e.g., toluene, acetone). This resistance is maintained even at elevated temperatures (up to 200℃), making it suitable for chemical processing equipment and oil & gas applications. For example, PAK pump impellers in petrochemical plants withstand crude oil and acidic byproducts (e.g., H₂S) for 5 years without corrosion—outperforming stainless steel (which requires replacement every 2 years). Its resistance to hydrolysis also makes it suitable for wet environments like marine equipment and wastewater treatment tools.
With a volume resistivity of >10¹⁶ Ω·cm and dielectric strength of ≈25 kV/mm (23℃), PAK is an outstanding electrical insulator—properties that remain stable at 250℃ and in humid environments (95% RH). This makes it suitable for high-voltage, high-temperature electronic components like aerospace wiring insulation and industrial controller housings. Its low moisture absorption (<0.1% at 23℃ for 24h, per ISO 62) and low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE: ≈20 x 10⁻⁶/℃) ensure dimensional stability—critical for precision parts like PCB sockets and sensor housings that require tight tolerances.
Medical-grade PAK complies with ISO 10993-1 (biocompatibility) and USP Class VI standards, making it safe for non-implantable and short-term implantable medical devices. It withstands multiple sterilization cycles, including autoclaving (134℃, 2 bar), ethylene oxide (EO), and gamma radiation (25 kGy), without losing mechanical or chemical properties. For example, PAK surgical forceps retain sharpness and strength after 100 autoclave cycles, reducing replacement costs for hospitals.
• CAS Number: 25667-42-9 (generic for PAK family; specific grades have unique identifiers)
• Molecular Formula: (C₁₃H₈O)ₙ (varies by grade; core arylene ketone structure consistent)
• Molecular Weight: 50,000–150,000 g/mol (high molecular weight for mechanical strength)
• Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): ≈150–200℃ (varies by grade; high-Tg grades for extreme heat)
• Appearance: Off-white to brown granular solid (opaque; some grades offer black or custom colors)
• Density: ≈1.28–1.35 g/cm³ (lightweight compared to metals like titanium, ideal for weight-sensitive applications)
• Continuous Service Temperature: Up to 250℃
• Melting Point (semi-crystalline grades): ≈300–380℃ (amorphous grades have no distinct melting point)
• Moisture Absorption: <0.1% (24h @ 23℃, per ISO 62)
• Flame Rating: UL94 V-0 (1.6mm thickness, inherent flame retardancy)
• Biocompatibility: ISO 10993-1, USP Class VI (medical grades)
• Electrical Insulation: Meets IEC 60243-1 (dielectric strength) and IEC 60093 (volume resistivity)
• Environmental Compliance: RoHS 2.0, REACH SVHC (no restricted substances)
In aerospace, PAK is used for engine components (e.g., turbine blade shrouds, fuel injector nozzles) and cabin interior parts (e.g., high-temperature wire insulation). Its thermal stability (up to 250℃) withstands engine heat, while its lightweight nature (density ≈1.3 g/cm³) reduces aircraft weight—improving fuel efficiency by 5–10% compared to metal components. For example, PAK turbine blade shrouds in commercial jets retain structural integrity for 20,000 flight hours, reducing maintenance downtime. Its electrical insulation also makes it suitable for aerospace wiring, ensuring reliable signal transmission at extreme altitudes and temperatures.
PAK is employed in oil & gas downhole tools (e.g., logging instrument housings, valve seats) and surface equipment (e.g., chemical storage tanks, pump casings). Its chemical resistance to crude oil, drilling fluids, and acidic gases (H₂S) prevents corrosion, while its high-pressure tolerance (up to 15,000 psi) ensures performance in deepwells (up to 10,000 meters). For instance, PAK logging instrument housings in offshore wells protect sensitive electronics from corrosive seawater and high temperatures (200℃), ensuring accurate data collection. Its low moisture absorption also prevents swelling in wet downhole environments.
Medical-grade PAK is used for non-implantable devices (e.g., surgical forceps, endoscope housings) and short-term implantable components (e.g., orthopedic spacers). Its biocompatibility (ISO 10993) ensures safe contact with human tissue, while its sterilization resistance allows repeated use of tools. For example, PAK surgical forceps withstand 100 autoclave cycles without losing hardness (Shore D ≈85) or sharpness, suitable for daily hospital use. In endoscope housings, it resists disinfectants (e.g., glutaraldehyde) and maintains dimensional stability, ensuring a tight fit for optical components.
