Comparison

PS Crystal Injection Molding vs PEEK

A side-by-side comparison of General Purpose Polystyrene (Crystal) for Injection Molding and Polyether Ether Ketone.

Physical

Density
1.04-1.06 g/cm³
1.32 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.03-0.1 %
0.15 %
Transparency
Excellent
Opaque (amber)
Shrinkage
0.4-0.8 %
1.1 – 1.4 %

Mechanical

Young's Modulus
3.0-3.5 GPa
3.6 GPa
Tensile Strength
45-60 MPa
100 MPa
Elongation at Break
2-5 %
50 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
10-20 J/m
55 J/m
Flexural Strength
170 MPa

Thermal

Glass Transition Temperature
90-100 °C
143 °C
Melting Point
N/A (amorphous)
343 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
60-70 °C
260 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
70-80 °C
160 °C

Electrical

Dielectric Constant
2.5-2.6
3.2
Volume Resistivity
10¹⁵-10¹⁶ Ω⋅cm
10¹⁶ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
15-25 kV/mm

Chemical resistance

Acids
Good resistance
Excellent
Bases
Good resistance
Excellent
Solvents
Attacked by aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and esters
Excellent
UV Resistance
Poor
Fair
Hydrolysis (steam)
Excellent

Sustainability

Recyclability
Recyclable
Recyclable (specialty)
Recycling Code
6 (PS)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~30 kg CO₂e / kg