Comparison

Phenolic Resol Thermoset vs PEEK

A side-by-side comparison of Phenolic Resol Resin and Polyether Ether Ketone.

Physical

Density
1.20-1.35 g/cm³
1.32 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.8-2.5 %
0.15 %
Transparency
Opaque Brown to Black
Opaque (amber)
Shrinkage
3-5 %
1.1 – 1.4 %

Mechanical

Young's Modulus
4-8 GPa
3.6 GPa
Tensile Strength
35-60 MPa
100 MPa
Elongation at Break
1-4 %
50 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
6-18 J/m
55 J/m
Flexural Strength
170 MPa

Thermal

Glass Transition Temperature
100-160 °C
143 °C
Melting Point
N/A
343 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
120-200 °C
260 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
80-150 °C
160 °C

Electrical

Dielectric Constant
5.0-7.0
3.2
Volume Resistivity
10^9-10^12 Ohm-cm
10¹⁶ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
8-18 kV/mm

Chemical resistance

Acids
Good resistance
Excellent
Bases
Moderate resistance
Excellent
Solvents
Resistant to common 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