Evonik launches new tribological PEEK material for use in high temperature and pressure slide bearing applications

Evonik has launched a new tribological material, designed especially for use in slide bearings needing to withstand high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Based on PEEK (polyether ether ketone), the VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2 product can be used either as a polymer coating in hybrid bearings, or as a full PEEK-based bearing, depending on the application. The material is ideally processed by injection molding, but also can be extruded.

“Our latest launch of the VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2 material is part of our business line’s strategy to expand the range of tribological applications for our innovative PEEK-based products. This includes working with customers in the industrial, medical and robotics industry to solve their especially challenging needs,” says Christopher Studte, head of the Industrial PEEK segment at Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line.

VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2 is produced without any intentionally added fluoropolymers such as PTFE. Fluoropolymers are commonly used in polymer-based slide bearings for their desirable properties.

“Comprehensive test data has shown VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2 to have superior tribological properties – especially in its resistance to high temperatures, pressure and velocity – when compared to other polymer-based slide bearing materials on today’s market,” says Philipp Kilian, research and development Program Manager for PEEK in Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line. “Additionally, VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2 demonstrated excellent results compared to other polymer bearings – as well as traditional metal bearings - in dry-run and lubricated slide bearing tests at various temperatures.”

“Our PEEK-based VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2 is a superb material for slide bearings, thrust washers and also seals in challenging conditions,” says Studte. “Customers will benefit from the product’s light weight as well as its improved energy-efficiency and noise dampening in many applications. VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2’s compatibility with injection molding will also give customers increased cost-efficiency, especially when scaling up to produce large quantities.”

Evonik will make its extensive test data on VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2’s friction and wear properties available to customers, so they can ensure optimal calibration of the material for their specific application.