Comparison

CAB Injection Molding Grade L vs PEEK

A side-by-side comparison of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Injection Molding Grade L and Polyether Ether Ketone.

Physical

Density
1.20 g/cm³
1.32 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
1.0 %
0.15 %
Transparency
Good
Opaque (amber)
Shrinkage
0.8 - 1.8 %
1.1 – 1.4 %

Mechanical

Young's Modulus
1.8 GPa
3.6 GPa
Tensile Strength
35 MPa
100 MPa
Elongation at Break
20.0 %
50 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
1.0 J/cm
55 J/m
Flexural Strength
170 MPa

Thermal

Glass Transition Temperature
80-100 °C
143 °C
Melting Point
None (degrades)
343 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
50 °C
260 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
50 °C
160 °C

Electrical

Dielectric Constant
3.3
3.2
Volume Resistivity
10¹¹ Ω·cm
10¹⁶ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
16 kV/mm

Chemical resistance

Acids
Poor resistance
Excellent
Bases
Poor resistance
Excellent
Solvents
Soluble in esters, ketones, and chlorinated hydrocarbons
Excellent
UV Resistance
Good
Fair
Hydrolysis (steam)
Excellent

Sustainability

Recyclability
Recyclable (often downcycled)
Recyclable (specialty)
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~30 kg CO₂e / kg