Polymers: Polyetheretherketone
Polyetheretherketone, or PEEK, is considered to be a high performance polymer, capable of being used in applications that require a broad range of temperatures. It is a thermoplastic material in the family of polyaryletherketone (PEAK) polymers with a melting point of ~334°C, allowing it to be used in applications up to around 300°C in the short term and 250°C in the long term.
In particular, PEEK is known for its wear and abrasion resistance and is typically at least semi-crystalline, manufactured through step-growth polymerization. It also has excellent mechanical properties, including fatigue resistance, and is relatively stable when it comes to chemical and corrosion resistance. One of the main downsides of PEEK is its relatively cost, but it can be easy to process. PEEK polymer products can even be produced with 3D printing technologies.
As PEEK is also biocompatible, the main industry that uses the material is the medical industry, where it is used in implants and drug delivery systems. Other applications include the aerospace and automotive industries as well as electrical insulation. It is also considered to be fully recyclable.
Sources/Further reading: ( 1 - images 1, 3, and 4 ) ( 2 - image 2 ) ( 3 - image 5 ) ( 4 )