Comparison
Phenolic Novolac Thermoset vs PEEK
A side-by-side comparison of Phenolic Novolac Resin and Polyether Ether Ketone.
Physical
Density
1.25-1.40 g/cm³
1.32 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.5-2.0 %
0.15 %
Transparency
Opaque Brown to Black
Opaque (amber)
Shrinkage
4-6 %
1.1 – 1.4 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
5-10 GPa
3.6 GPa
Tensile Strength
40-70 MPa
100 MPa
Elongation at Break
1-3 %
50 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
5-15 J/m
55 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
170 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
120-180 °C
143 °C
Melting Point
N/A
343 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
150-250 °C
260 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
100-180 °C
160 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
4.5-6.0
3.2
Volume Resistivity
10^10-10^13 Ohm-cm
10¹⁶ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
10-20 kV/mm
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Good resistance
Excellent
Bases
Moderate resistance
Excellent
Solvents
Resistant to many organic solvents
Excellent
UV Resistance
Poor
Fair
Hydrolysis (steam)
—
Excellent
Sustainability
Recyclability
Difficult
Recyclable (specialty)
Recycling Code
N/A
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~30 kg CO₂e / kg