Aliphatic Polyketones
Properties and Applications
Aliphatic polyketones are a relatively new class of polymers with many attractive and unique properties. The two most common aliphatic ketones are poly(ethylene ketone) and copolymers of ethylene and propylene ketone. Both polymers have high tensile and impact strength, exceptionally high abrasion resistance and excellent tribological properties. Other interesting properties include excellent hydrolysis resistance, very low water absorption, high barrier properties against fuel and oxygen, and outstanding chemical resistance. In fact, they are only attacked by very polar (exotic) solvents such as hexafluoro-isopropanol.
Polyketones are very versatile engineering plastics. Due to their outstanding mechanical and tribological properties they are an excellent choice for gear wheels, bearings, bushings and other mechanical parts that have to withstand large stresses.
Polyketones are available as high to medium flow resins with high impact resistance. The typical continuous service temperature is in the range of 120°C. Parts made of this resin can be produced with high reproducibility of dimensions and tolerances.