THERMEC™ K Can Replace Polyamide-Imides (PAI) Without Compromising Performance

DOMO Chemicals has expanded its THERMEC™ advanced polymer range by launching a cost-effective polyether ether ketone (PEEK)-based product blended with a solid polymeric lubricant. Currently offered in India, the new solution has been specifically developed to replace polyamide imides (PAI) without compromising performance. [caption id="attachment_104262" align="aligncenter"] THERMEC™ K: DOMO Chemicals launches PEEK solution to replace PAI. (Photo: iStock)[/caption]   THERMEC™ K is an innovative experimental product developed by DOMO for friction and wear-resistant materials at its Mumbai-based laboratory, a major market. The solution is suitable for numerous industrial applications including bushings and bearings, aerospace components, pump and valve assemblies, medical device parts, and food processing machine components. Tushar Parida, Country Director DOMO India, explains: "Generally speaking, PAI's mechanical properties are higher than PEEK-based parts due to the different polymer types contained in the material. However, thanks to the careful formulation work of our Indian development team, we have succeeded in matching PAI's friction and wear performance and dry-lubrication properties in a PEEK-based solution." DOMO's Mumbai team has demonstrated that THERMEC™ K is suitable for numerous applications, particularly when low wear, low coefficient of friction at temperatures up to 200°C, and resistance to high-load conditions are required. Additionally, it provides a lower density of 1.32 g/cm³ compared to the PAI solution of 1.42 g/cm³. In addition to offering tribological properties comparable to PAI, THERMEC™ K can be processed using a standard injection molding procedure. This means that a lengthy steam-curing process following the use of complex cold-injection molding equipment is unnecessary.

THERMEC™ K offers a wide range of material property advantages ranging from exceptional properties at high temperatures, chemical resistance, mechanical strength, strong wear and fatigue resistance, and dielectric strength.

DOMO is playing a growing role in the high-performance polymer market. The comprehensive THERMEC™ product range has been developed to meet the demands of specialized application requirements. The advanced polymer solution range includes new solutions based on polyphthalamide (PPA): THERMEC™ N; polyphenylene sulfide (PPS): THERMEC™ S; and polyether ether ketone (PEEK): THERMEC™ K).