The material provides the exceptional chemical resistance of PEEK along with a 20°C (36°F) higher glass transition temperature and a 45°C (81°F) higher melting temperature than standard PEEK. This increase in thermal performance allows engineers to achieve higher mechanical strength for components used in higher temperature and higher pressure operating environments. KetaSpire® XT also provides a significant improvement in electrical properties.

Although other high-temperature polyketones exhibit thermal properties on par with KetaSpire® XT, their chemical resistance is significantly inferior to standard PEEK and KetaSpire® XT. The material's unique combination of properties makes KetaSpire® XT well-suited for applications in oil & gas, transportation, electronics, chemical processing, and other industrial uses. KetaSpire® XT-920 can be easily processed using typical injection molding and extrusion processes. This resin is also available as KetaSpire® XT-920P in a natural-color coarse powder form for compounding.

Pellets of KetaSpire® XT-920 are supplied lightly dusted with the lubricant calcium stearate (0.01% level) to aid with pellet conveyance in plastication screws. The equivalent non-lubricated, natural color grade is KetaSpire® XT-920 NL.

- Natural: XT-920 NT

Applications: Aircraft Applications; Automotive Applications; Communication Wire Insulation; Connectors; Electrical/Electronic Applications; Film; Gears; Housings; Industrial Applications; Oil/Gas Applications; Pump Parts; Seals; Tubing

Features: Chemical Resistant; Ductile; Fatigue Resistant; Flame Retardant; Good Dimensional Stability; Good Impact Resistance; High Heat Resistance; Radiotranslucent; Steam Resistant

Injection notes: Drying
- KetaSpire® XT resins must be dried completely prior to melt processing. Incomplete drying will result in defects in the formed part ranging from surface streaks to severe bubbling. Pellets can be dried on trays in a circulating air oven or in desiccating hopper dryer. Drying conditions recommended are 4 hours at 150°C (300°F) .
Injection Molding
- KetaSpire® XT resins can be readily injection molded in most screw injection machines. A general purpose screw with a compression ratio in the range of 2.5 - 3.5 : 1 is recommended, as is minimum back pressure. Injection speeds should be as fast as possible, consistent with part appearance requirements. Mold temperatures in the range of 205°C to 230°C (400°F to 450°F) are suggested. Recommended starting point barrel temperatures are shown in the table above.

Information provided by Solvay Specialty Polymers.