In response to the continued supply limitations that have resulted, among others, in a polyamide shortage on a global scale, Avient has today launched two new materials based on polyketone. Both are claimed to deliver comparable performance and lower production-related CO2 levels than PA66, PA6 or POM.
The specialty PK formulations - marketed under the names Edgetek PKE and LubriOne PKE - combine excellent chemical and hydrolysis resistance and are suitable for use in chemical, fuel contact, or high-moisture environments. The Edgetek PKE series includes short glass-reinforced formulations with 10-40 percent short glass fibre, specifically targeted at applications in the industrial, electronics and transportation markets, including pipes and tubing, electrical battery components, and under-the-hood fuel or chemical contact components. The LubriOne PKE series are internally lubricated grades that combine chemical resistance performance with improved wear resistance and low coefficient of friction properties. The added lubricity helps to meet the low friction needs of applications in industrial, electronics and appliance markets like conveyor belts, gears, switches, pumps, and spigots.
Avient says that, over the product lifecycle, the materials also offer sustainability benefits: PK base resin production emits up to 61 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) than nylon and POM. Additionally, the new grades are formaldehyde-free, addressing VOC concerns in manufacturing compared to POM.
“These developments provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to PA66 and PA6 supply constraints hindering our customers,” said Matt Mitchell, director, global marketing of Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient. “Better still, the two series offer comparable performance to traditional materials and help support sustainability goals across many industries.”
Both series are commercially available around the world.