Metal-replacement applications across a range of industries are anticipated from these two companies, which have joined forces to offer carbon nanotube-enhanced PEEK. Solvay Advanced Polymers (Alpharetta, GA) will supply its KetaSpire-brand polyetheretherketone ( PEEK) high-temperature thermoplastics to Entegris Inc. (Billerica, MA), which has developed a proprietary technology for the uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes into PEEK and other thermoplastics to create homogeneous blends. Entegris will compound the materials and then market the compounds.

Unlike other filler materials such as carbon fiber and carbon powder, carbon nanotubes preserve and maintain the properties of the base polymer. These specialized formulations blend single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) or multi-walled carbon nanotubes with a polymer. The CNT materials provide enhanced strength while preserving flexibility, and uniform electrical and thermal conductivity.

In a statement on the new partnership, Greg Jack, senior business development representative for Solvay Advanced Polymers, said, "This partnership will spur greater use of our materials and open up new end-use applications where consistent electrostatic discharge properties and improved thermal stability are required."