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PEEK vs PPS: Which High-Temperature Plastic Should You Choose?
PEEK and PPS are two of the most widely used high-temperature engineering plastics, both offering exceptional thermal stability and chemical resistance. However, their performance profiles differ significantly, and choosing between them can affect part performance, longevity, and cost. This guide compares PEEK and PPS across all critical engineering properties.
Thermal Properties Comparison
|
Property |
PEEK |
PPS (GF40) |
|
Melting point |
343°C |
280°C |
|
Glass transition |
143°C |
90°C |
|
HDT (1.8 MPa) |
152°C (unfilled) / 315°C (GF30) |
260°C (GF40) |
|
Continuous use temp |
250°C |
200-220°C |
PEEK wins on absolute temperature performance. For applications above 220°C continuous, PEEK is the only choice. Below 220°C, PPS GF40 offers comparable or superior performance at significantly lower cost.
Mechanical Properties Comparison
Property | PEEK (unfilled) | PEEK (GF30) | PPS (GF40) |
Tensile strength (MPa) | 90-100 | 150-170 | 130-150 |
Flexural modulus (MPa) | 3,800 | 9,000-11,000 | 12,000-14,000 |
Impact strength (J/m) | 60-80 | 70-90 | 50-70 |
Elongation at break (%) | 30-50 | 2-3 | 1.5-2.5 |
PPS GF40 actually has higher stiffness (flexural modulus) than PEEK GF30, making it preferable for rigid structural applications. However, PEEK offers significantly better toughness and elongation — critical for applications subject to impact or vibration.
Chemical Resistance
Both materials offer excellent chemical resistance, but with key differences:
PEEK
· Resistant to almost all chemicals except concentrated sulfuric acid
· Excellent resistance to steam and hot water
· Suitable for pharmaceutical and food processing
PPS
· Outstanding resistance to fuels, oils, and solvents
· Excellent resistance to acids and bases
· Limited resistance to oxidizing agents
For chemical processing equipment, both are suitable, but PEEK has broader chemical compatibility. See our PEEK chemical resistance chart for detailed compatibility data.
Cost Comparison
PPS is significantly less expensive than PEEK:
Material | Relative Cost (PEEK = 100) |
PEEK (unfilled) | 100 |
PEEK (GF30) | 115-125 |
PPS (unfilled) | 35-45 |
PPS (GF40) | 40-50 |
For applications where PPS meets the requirements, choosing PPS over PEEK can save 55-65% on material cost.
Application Recommendations
Choose PEEK when:
· Continuous temperature exceeds 220°C
· FDA/medical compliance is required (see PEEK medical applications)
· Exceptional toughness is needed (impact, fatigue)
· Steam sterilization is required
· Aerospace certification (AS9100) is needed
Choose PPS when:
· Temperature ceiling is 200-220°C
· Cost optimization is a priority
· Fuel/oil resistance is the primary requirement
· High stiffness is needed (GF40 outperforms PEEK GF30)
· Automotive under-hood applications (within temp range)
FAQ
PEEK offers higher temperature resistance, better toughness, and broader chemical resistance. PPS costs 55-65% less with higher stiffness when glass-filled.
Q2: What temperature can PPS withstand compared to PEEK?
PEEK: 250°C continuous, 343°C melting point. PPS: 200-220°C continuous, 280°C melting point.
Q3: Which is more cost-effective?
PPS is 55-65% less expensive than PEEK. If PPS meets your requirements, it offers substantial savings.
Ready to source quality engineering plastics? Contact NAGOMER today for a free quote, or browse our PEEK sheets, POM rods, and ESD materials.
NAGOMER — Professional Engineering Plastics Solutions
www.nagomer.com | info@nagomer.com