VICTREX® PEEK™-based powder coatings now available worldwide

Victrex announced that it has licensed a worldwide network of electrostatic spray and dispersion coating formulators with a patented base recipe and unique powders to produce both powder and aqueous-based coatings made from VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer. The formulators can modify the polyarletheretherketone-based recipe to enhance specific properties such as abrasion resistance, lubricity, release and color. Each formulator offers the necessary processing and customer service support, technical literature and pricing of the VICTREX PEEK-based coatings.

The coatings are based on semi-crystalline VICTREX PEEK thermoplastic which is widely regarded as having the best combination of properties for harsh environments. These include: high temperature resistance and the retention of mechanical performance at high temperature; outstanding wear and abrasion; chemical resistance; excellent fire, smoke and toxicity performance and good electrical properties. According to Annette Forster, New Market Development Manager for Victrex, “When a thin layer of VICTREX PEEK-based coating is applied to a substrate, it confers all the performance properties associated with our high performance polymers.”

VICTREX PEEK-based coatings can provide substantial benefits over existing coatings as well as eliminate the need for costly, hard-to-machine exotic metals like stainless steel or titanium. Powders are formulated to produce durable, impact resistant pin hole free coatings from 15 – 25 mils using conventional equipment.

Forster said that “VICTREX PEEK-based coatings are under evaluation in analytical, semiconductor, and medical applications because they provide a lubricious, non-sloughing, and tough protective layer over metals, ceramics, and glass. They are also being evaluated in the food industry because of their FDA Food Contact compliance and their superior chemical resistance to harsh cleaning fluids.”

VICTREX PEEK-based coatings are also ideal for coating components and substrates in industries that demand corrosion protection and wear resistance. “For parts such as agitators and vessels, coating for corrosion protection in aggressive environments may be the only cost-effective answer,” said Forster. VICTREX PEEK-based coatings are also a solution for components in ultra-pure water systems, chemical plants, and offshore oil installations.

Coatings are applied by spraying VICTREX PEEK-based powder with an average particle size of between 30 and 80 µm. After application of the powder, parts are heated in an oven to around 400°C at which point the powder melts to form a continuous film. Air cooling of the liquefied film then causes it to solidify again. This process is repeated to build up the required coating thickness on a variety of substrates including stainless steel and aluminum.

Victrex plc, is the sole manufacturer and supplier of Victrex polymer worldwide. For more information on the properties and performance advantages of VICTREX PEEK, please call +44 1253 897700 or visit the Victrex website at www.victrex.com.

Reader enquiries

Helen Swarbrick
Victrex plc
Victrex Technology Centre
Hillhouse International
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire FY5 4QD
United Kingdom

Tel +44 1253 897700
Fax +44 1253 897701
United Kingdom
+44 1253 897700
info@​victrex.com
www.victrex.com

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Notes for editors

Victrex plc, which has its sales, technical and production headquarters at Thornton Cleveleys in Lancashire, UK, had a turnover of more than £71.5m in the last financial year. The company exports 97 percent of its VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer output to OEMs in the automotive, industrial, medical, food and electronics market sectors in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Information on products, technical support services and sales and distribution contacts worldwide, can be accessed through the company’s web site: www.victrex.com.

The PEEK™ trademark:

For many years Victrex plc has been using the PEEK™ trademark to refer to its brand of polyaryletherketone. Victrex plc is the sole manufacturer and supplier of the VICTREX® PEEK™ brand polymer worldwide. PEEK™ is a trademark of Victrex plc.