Comparison
PLA Silk Filament vs PEEK
A side-by-side comparison of Polylactic Acid Silk Filament and Polyether Ether Ketone.
Physical
Density
1.24 g/cm³
1.32 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.5-1.0 %
0.15 %
Transparency
Opaque (with high sheen)
Opaque (amber)
Shrinkage
Low (0.2-0.5%)
1.1 – 1.4 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
2.8-3.3 GPa
3.6 GPa
Tensile Strength
48-58 MPa
100 MPa
Elongation at Break
3-4 %
50 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
2-3 kJ/m²
55 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
170 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
58-63 °C
143 °C
Melting Point
150-168 °C
343 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
38-48 °C
260 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
48-53 °C @ 0.45 MPa
160 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
3.0-3.4
3.2
Volume Resistivity
10¹²-10¹³ Ω·cm
10¹⁶ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
14-19 MV/m
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Resistant to weak acids
Excellent
Bases
Attacked by strong bases
Excellent
Solvents
Attacked by esters, ketones, and chlorinated hydrocarbons
Excellent
UV Resistance
Poor
Fair
Hydrolysis (steam)
—
Excellent
Sustainability
Recyclability
Mechanically Recyclable (limited
Recyclable (specialty)
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~30 kg CO₂e / kg