Solvay Advanced Polymers (Alpharetta, Georgia / USA; www.solvayadvancedpolymers.com) has launched a new line of PEEK-based formulations that it claims cost up to 30% less than comparable PEEK grades. The new “AvaSpire” AV-700 series fills the cost/performance gap between high-performance crystalline polymers such as polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) and high-temperature nylon and PEEK, the company says.

Available in six grades, the products’ performance is on a par with comparable PEEK grades in terms of strength and stiffness, elongation and toughness, fatigue resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance and wear performance, continues Solvay. Their melt viscosities and processability are also equivalent to those of standard PEEK grades, and the materials can be injection moulded or extruded on conventional processing machinery.

Targeted uses include demanding applications in automotive, heavy-duty off-highway equipment, oil and gas recovery, semiconductors and chemical processing.