VICTREX PEEK monofilament fabrics

Citation

(1998), "VICTREX PEEK monofilament fabrics", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770ead.024

VICTREX PEEK monofilament fabrics

VICTREX PEEK monofilament fabrics

Keywords Fabric, Polymers, Tetko

Fabric woven with VICTREX PEEK 381G polymer monofilaments, bring almost limitless application possibilities. According to Ayesha Mayadas, marketing manager at Tetko, a developer of precision woven fabric using extremely fine PEEK polymer monofilaments.

"The outstanding characteristics inherent in this fabric give it tremendous potential for use in numerous industries, including aerospace.

Using highly controlled precision weaving technology, Tetko's parent company, Sefar Inc., weaves the VICTREX PEEK monofilaments into fabric that is the finest of its kind in the world. Explains Mayadas: "The 'fineness' of the fabric is the combination of monofilaments starting at about 30 microns in diameter and the fact that we can pack so many monofilaments into such a small area up to 240 threads per centimetre of material."

This thin and flexible fabric can be produced with pore sizes starting at 10 microns, thickness as low as 60 microns and basis weights of 26 grams/sq.m and up. Adds Mayadas: "It is particularly useful in aggressive and corrosive environments that can take advantage of VICTREX PEEK polymer's high temperature and chemical resistance, wear resistance, high strength and impact recovery characteristics."

According to Ralf Heinz, transportation marketing manager at Victrex Europa GmbH, the company that manufactures the PEEK polymer: "VICTREX PEEK polymer is one of the highest temperature and most chemically resistant polymers available for monofilament, multifilament or staple. It can be used for extended periods at 232°C to 260°C and is resistant to a very wide range of inorganic and organic chemicals."

Adds Heinz: "The ability of PEEK polymer to be made into fibres extends the application areas where polymeric fibres can be used. PEEK polymer filaments have an additional 95°C temperature capability over nylon 6/6 fibres and much higher elongation compared to PPS fibre, giving it excellent impact recovery. Its high mechanical strength makes it a very durable fibre for wear resistance at high temperatures."

Tetko manufactures VICTREX PEEK polymer woven fabrics either in rolled goods form for further processing, or into products manufactured to customer specifications. "For example", says Mayadas, "we can convert our PEEK polymer fabric into custom engineered belts; cut, sewn and welded panels and sleeves; stamped and heat cut parts; bags/pouches and gasketted and laminated assemblies. In addition, we will work with companies to develop customer-specific PEEK polymer woven fabrics."

For further details contact Victrex plc. Tel: +44 (0) 1253 897 700; Fax: +44 (0) 1253 897 701; E-mail: awalker@victrex.com