Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) is a family of semi-crystalline thermoplastics with high-temperature stability and high mechanical strength whose molecular backbone contains alternately ketone (R-CO-R) and ether groups (R-O-R).
[2][3] PAEK plastics are characterized by phenylene rings that are linked via oxygen bridges (ether and carbonyl groups (ketone)).
The ratio and sequence of ether to ketones mainly affects the glass transition temperature and melting point of the polymer.
[4] One major engineering application is oil drilling components, such as seals, compressor rings, valve parts, gears, bearings, and wire coatings.
[4] Due to its excellent resistance to hydrolysis it is used in medical devices because it does not break down when sterilized.