February 2023 - Performance Plastics

Plastics can be considered high-performance for a variety of reasons. The specific application and the performance criteria are the most important. Here are some characteristics that can contribute to a resin being classified as a high-performance plastic.

Strength and durability: Many plastics are engineered (fiber reinforced) to be extremely strong and durable, with high tensile strength and resistance to wear, tear, and impact. This can make them well-suited for applications where mechanical stress is a concern. Examples include Torlon PAI and PEEK.
Temperature resistance: Certain plastics are highly resistant to chemical corrosion or degradation, which can make them ideal for use in harsh environments or with corrosive substances. Examples include fluoropolymers such as PFA with a melting point of 581 degrees F.
Electrical properties: Some plastics have excellent electrical insulation properties, making them ideal for use in electronics or other electrical applications. Examples include fluoropolymers such as FEP.
Lightweight: Many plastics are lightweight, which can make them ideal for applications where weight is a concern, such as the aerospace, medical, or industrial markets.
Versatility: Plastics can be easily injection molded into a wide variety of complex shapes and sizes, which can make them versatile and useful in a wide range of applications.

Overall, high-performance plastics can be custom designed to meet specific performance criteria and offer a wide range of benefits depending on the application.

For more information on high-performance plastics or other Performance Plastics services, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at [email protected] or call 440-785-7122.

PEEK is short for polyether ether ketone. These polymers are notable for their phenylene rings and oxygen bridges, which result in resilience, durability, and strength.

Wafer manufacturing is a term used to describe the process of creating chips, otherwise known as integrated circuits, which are used in everyday devices. You will find chips in everything from cars to military jets. PEEK is great for semiconductor applications because of its outstanding combination of physical properties.

Longer Lifetime – CMP (chemical-mechanical positioning) rings made with PEEK can provide less downtime, and more throughput with up 2x wear resistance compared to other materials.
Potential Yield Enhancement – Low particle generation and higher purity, resulting in lower outgassing and extractives that may lead to yield improvements
Faster Process – PEEK endures proceseess with up to 260° and harsh chemicals, which allos for faster processing and less cooling time.

Semiconductor equipment manufacturers use PEEK screws and fasteners in wet benches. Chip manufacturers use hydrofluoric acid which is a corrosive chemical that can damage metals. Since PEEK is chemical-resistant, chip manufacturers are utilizing PEEK screws. These screws are used in the production of ICU’s since they are a high-purity material and possess low-outgas properties. PEEK is also used to manufacture manifolds for semiconductor production equipment.

Performance Plastics’ team of experienced engineers possess the expertise to design and manufacture technically challenging projects and offer complex solutions within the semiconductor industry.

For more information on how Performance Plastics can assist in your material selection challenges, please contact Rich Reed, VP Sales & Marketing at 513.321.8404 or [email protected].

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