Comparison
PDLLA High Molecular Weight vs PEEK
A side-by-side comparison of Poly(D,L-lactic acid), High Molecular Weight Grade W and Polyether Ether Ketone.
Physical
Density
1.26 g/cm³
1.32 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.6 %
0.15 %
Transparency
High (amorphous)
Opaque (amber)
Shrinkage
3.5 - 6.5 %
1.1 – 1.4 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
2.5 GPa
3.6 GPa
Tensile Strength
50 MPa
100 MPa
Elongation at Break
4.0 %
50 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
0.2 J/cm
55 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
170 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
48-52 °C
143 °C
Melting Point
None (amorphous)
343 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
0 °C
260 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
42 °C
160 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
3.1
3.2
Volume Resistivity
10¹³ Ω·cm
10¹⁶ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
19 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Poor resistance
Excellent
Bases
Poor resistance
Excellent
Solvents
Swells in many organic solvents, particularly esters and ketones
Excellent
UV Resistance
Poor
Fair
Hydrolysis (steam)
—
Excellent
Sustainability
Recyclability
Compostable (industrial), implantable (biocompatible)
Recyclable (specialty)
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Lower than fossil-based plastics
~30 kg CO₂e / kg