Consumables
Clariant Develops New Colors for PEEK; Offers Masterbatches and Precolored Resins
Friday 24. April 2009 - Product manufacturers who seek the high-performance properties of PEEK (polyetheretherketone) polymers can now get them in a wide range of colors. Clariant Masterbatches has developed a range of color masterbatches that are formulated specifically for use with PEEK materials.
In addition, Clariant Masterbatches is also producing specialty compounded pre-colored PEEK materials, which are available in
small and large quantities. These fully compounded grades can also incorporate fiber reinforcements, conductive or antistatic fillers, as well as other performance-enhancing additives.
“PEEK high-performance polymers offer high mechanical strength and excellent stress crack resistance, and they can withstand high-temperature conditions and chemical exposure. They are also dimensionally stable and electrically resistant,” says Robert Wick, Clariant Masterbatches Product Manager for Specialty Compounding. “However, it can be notoriously difficult to color. In its natural form, it is light brown, so you need to take this into account when developing PEEK colors. In addition, PEEK is normally processed at
over 700ºF, so any colors need to be very heat stable.”
Clariant Masterbatches Specialty Compounding has the engineering and technical
resources, stringent quality-assurance programs, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and the ability to respond quickly. Whether standard or custom formulations are required, Clariants flexibility allows processors to begin product development and pre-production phases of a project quickly and effectively.
Clariants RENOL color masterbatch series includes more than a dozen standard colors designed specifically for use in PEEK polymers. Standard-color masterbatches can be delivered in 5 to 7 business days, and custom colors are also available. All meet the stringent requirements of high-performance applications in markets like aerospace, automotive, electrical devices, military and even medical.
To meet the requirements of medical applications, RENOL MD masterbatches and RENOL MC compounds are produced under stringent “Clariant HSMP Guidelines” (consistent with the FDAs GMP-good manufacturing practices). Pigments used have been tested and certified compliant with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Class VI standards, and drug master file (DMF) authorizations can be provided for medical applications.