PEK (left) and 3000 XT connectors (right)
Called Arlon 3000 XT, is is said to provide thermal stability, chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, low wear and high impact resistance.
It is “the world’s first and only cross-linked, semi-crystalline polyketone and delivers superior high-temperature performance over other plastics used in the electronics and electrical markets”, claimed the firm “Due to its salient dielectric properties, this thermoplastic can provide better electrical insulation and dissipation, faster signal throughput, and superior noise-abating characteristics over existing materials, and is capable of load bearing over the glass transition point. It also delivers significantly reduced susceptibility to moisture and steam.”
Performance is said to be superior to PAEK polymers – with improved creep and extrusion resistance above177°C.
“In dynamic mechanical analysis, it had a glass transition 20°C higher than PEEK, and provided superior mechanical property retention from 177°C to 316°C,” claimed Greene Tweed. “In extrusion testing at 35,000psi and 288°C, it outperformed both virgin and filled grades of PEEK and PEKEKK.”
Greene Tweed foresees use in connectors – particularly high-voltage connectors – and sensors in difficult environments such as in oil well drilling where >177°C and >15,000psi can be experienced – dubbed ‘HPHT’ environments.
Arlon 3000 XT is based on Vestakeep, a PEEK (polyether ether ketone) themoplastic from German firm Evonik, which offers this delightful photo of a Vestakeep hammer in action.