PEKK Poly Ether Ketone Ketone for High Temperature High Pressure Oil & Gas Conditions

Abstract Poly Aryl Ether Ketones (PAEK), and in particular Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK), have established themselves as polymers of choice for extreme environments. This is especially true in the Oil & Gas industry, with its very harsh conditions (high temperatures, high pressures and corrosive fluids). Within the PAEK family, Poly Ether Ketone (PEK) and Poly Ether Ketone Ether Ketone Ketone (PEKEKK) were later introduced to address the need for higher mechanical and thermal properties than PEEK; unfortunately, their chemical resistance has been reported as not matching that of PEEK. In this paper, we report on novel, high viscosity, Poly Ether Ketone Ketone (PEKK) polymers that combine PEEK-like processing, high mechanical performances, barrier properties and very good chemical resistance in the NORSOK M710 test, positioning PEKK as a strong candidate for demanding Oil & Gas applications, such as O-rings, seals or electrical connectors.