Wand Plastics

Properties of some high technology plastics used in some wands. 

PEEK Polyetheretherketone

General Description
PEEK is a high temperature, high cost , semi-crystalline material with excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance.
Tensile Strength
14,000-41,000 psi with carbon fiber
Flexural Modulus
440,000-2,400,000 psi
Impact Strength
.9- 3 ft-lb/in notched izod
Maximum Temp.
600 F short duration 480 F long term
Chemical Resistance
Good to Excellent
Cost
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ !!! (expensive stuff)
Brand Names
Victrex (ICI), Thermocomp (LNP)
Material Mfg.
ICI, LNP

PEI Polyetherimid (Ultem)
General Description
PEI is an amorphous, high temperature material with relatively low cost compared to other high temperature materials. It has excellent elongation and Impact Strength, and can be molded to tight tolerances. Its chemical resistance is not as good as crystalline materials but is excellent for an amorphous material. PEI behaves similar to polycarbonate, but can perform at higher temperatures.
Tensile Strength
14,000-28,000 psi 

Flexural Modulus
480,000-1,300,000 psi
Impact Strength
2 ft-lb/in notched izod 25 ft-lb/in un-notched

Maximum Temp.
420 F short duration 375 F long term

Chemical Resistance
Fair to Good
Cost
$$$$$
Brand Names
Ultem (GE)
Material Mfg.
GE

PES Polyethersulfone
General Description
Polyethersulfone is a high temperature amorphous material with relatively low cost. PES has slightly lower capabilities than PEI at about the same cost. As a result it is not widely used.

Tensile Strength
9,500-18,000 psi
Flexural Modulus
590,000-1,200,000 psi
Impact Strength
1.4 ft-lb/in notched izod
Maximum Temp.
400 F short duration 350 F long term
Chemical Resistance
Good to Excellent
Cost
$$$$$$
Brand Names
Thermocomp (LNP), Victrex (ICI)
Material Mfg.
LNP, ICI

PPS Polyphenylene Sulfide
General Description
PPS is a high temperature semi-crystalline material. It has good mechanical properties and excellent chemical resistance at elevated temperatures. PPS has been compounded extensively and many different types of properties are available. PTFE filled PPS is one of the best bearing materials available. Unfilled grades of PPS have poor properties, so components are usually made from glass filled or glass/mineral filled grades. PPS is very sensitive to molding conditions and must be processed properly to achieve its maximum potential.
Tensile Strength
14,000-28,000 psi
Flexural Modulus
550,000 -2,900,000 psi
Impact Strength
.5-6 ft-lb/in notched izod
Maximum Temp.
500 +F short duration 450 F long term
Chemical Resistance
Good to excellent
Cost
$$$$ to $$$$$$$
Brand Names
Fortron (Hoechst Celanese), Lubricomp (LNP), Ryton (Phillips), Supec (GE)
Material Mfg.
GE, Hoechst Celanese, LNP, Phillips