PEEK looks good in ultrasound application

An ultrasound transducer housing from Britek SA, Inc. (San Antonio, TX) is fabricated from large-diameter, 30% carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rod from Drake Plastics. The 2-inch diameter rod, made of KetaSpire KT-820 CF30 PEEK from Solvay Advanced Polymers, resists cracking due to the material’s high elongation and toughness, and also exhibits high strength and outstanding heat and chemical resistance.

KetaSpire KT-820 CF30 is a 30% carbon fiber-reinforced grade that delivers an optimum balance of broad chemical resistance, ease of processing, and excellent mechanical performance. Another important benefit is a very low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) that closely matches that of additional transducer components made of other materials. This prevents distortion and damage to the piezoelectric crystal inside the housing, according to Ken Briers, president of Britek SA.

KetaSpire PEEK rod shapes extruded by Drake Plastics exhibit minimal residual stress and can be reliably machined to very tight tolerances. Rods with 0.125 to 2.0-inch diameters are produced at and the company is also pursuing PEEK rod shapes above a 2-inch diameter. —[email protected]