Detailed Comparison of PEEK and PA66 Performance and Applications

Apr. 07, 2025

PEEK vs PA66: Performance and Application Comparison

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) and PA66 (Nylon 66) are two distinct types of engineering plastics, each with unique performance characteristics and applications. Below is a detailed comparison and selection guide.

I. Performance Comparison

Property	PEEK	PA66
High Temperature Resistance	Excellent (Melting point 343°C, continuous use at 260°C)	Moderate (Melting point 260°C, continuous use at 80–120°C)
Mechanical Strength	High (Tensile strength 90–100 MPa)	Moderate (70–80 MPa, up to 200 MPa with reinforcement)
Chemical Resistance	Excellent (Resistant to strong acids, bases, solvents)	Moderate (Resistant to weak acids/bases, susceptible to strong chemicals)
Wear Resistance	Excellent (Self-lubricating, high PV value)	Good (Requires lubricants or reinforcement)
Water Absorption	Very Low (<0.5%)	High (Significantly affects size and performance)
Processing Difficulty	High (Requires high temperature and special equipment)	Low (Compatible with standard injection/extrusion)
Cost	Very High	Low

II. Typical Application Scenarios

Applications of PEEK:

Aerospace: Engine components, high-temperature seals
Medical: Orthopedic implants, surgical instruments (autoclavable)
Energy: Valve components for oil drilling, radiation-resistant nuclear parts
Electronics: Wafer carriers, high-temp connectors
Automotive: Turbocharger parts (metal replacement for weight reduction)

Applications of PA66:

Automotive: Engine peripheral plastic parts (intake manifolds, cooling fans)
Electronics & Electrical: Sockets, coil bobbins (after flame-retardant modification)
Industrial: Gears, bearings (with glass fiber reinforcement)
Consumer Products: Sports gear, tool handles (low cost, high toughness)

III. Selection Recommendations

High Temperature / Corrosive Environments: Choose PEEK, such as for semiconductor equipment or chemical pumps and valves.
High Strength + Lightweight Needs: Use reinforced PA66 (glass/carbon fiber) for better cost-performance, e.g., in automotive structures.
Precision Components: Opt for PEEK due to low water absorption and high dimensional stability, like in precision gears.
Short-Term / Cost-Sensitive Projects: PA66 is more suitable, such as in consumer electronics casings.

IV. Additional Notes

Long-Term Cost: PA66 may need frequent replacement due to water absorption or aging. PEEK, while expensive upfront, offers a much longer lifespan.
Processing Limitations: PEEK demands special equipment; small-batch production may not be economical.
Environmental Considerations: PA66 is more recyclable. PEEK is harder to recycle.

Conclusion:
Choose the material based on specific performance, cost, and processing requirements. In extreme conditions (high temperature + corrosion), PEEK is irreplaceable. For cost-effective needs, PA66 and its reinforced variants are often the better option.