PEEK (polyetheretherketone) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly known as Teflon) backup rings both play important roles in sealing applications, but they have some significant differences in material properties and application benefits. Here are their differences and their respective advantages:

1. Differences in material properties

PEEK backup rings:

Strength and rigidity: PEEK has high mechanical strength and rigidity, good wear resistance, and can maintain its shape in high-pressure environments.

High temperature resistance: PEEK has excellent high temperature resistance and can work continuously at temperatures up to 250°C.

Chemical stability: PEEK has good resistance to a variety of chemicals, but may suffer some effects in strong acid and alkali environments.

Conductivity: PEEK is a semi-conductive material and can sometimes be used in electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive environments.

PTFE backup rings:

Low friction coefficient: PTFE has an extremely low friction coefficient and is an ideal friction reducing material.

Excellent chemical stability: PTFE has excellent resistance to almost all chemicals and remains stable even in high temperatures and corrosive environments.

Low temperature resistance: PTFE is not only resistant to high temperatures, but also to low temperatures, and can work in the temperature range of -200°C to 260°C.

Non-stickiness: Almost no substance adheres to the surface of PTFE and is not easily contaminated.

2. Application advantages

Advantages of PEEK backup ring:

High-pressure environment: PEEK's high strength and rigidity make it perform well in high-pressure environments and is suitable for hydraulic systems, high-pressure valves, etc.

High-temperature applications: PEEK's high-temperature resistance gives it advantages in high-temperature environments, such as in the aerospace, automotive industry, and chemical industries.

Mechanical properties: PEEK's good mechanical properties and wear resistance make it perform well in environments that require long-term, high-intensity work.

Advantages of PTFE backup ring:

Chemically corrosive environments: The chemical stability of PTFE makes it an ideal choice in chemically corrosive environments, such as in acid and alkali treatment equipment, chemical pipelines and valves.

Low friction applications: PTFE's low coefficient of friction makes it excellent in applications where friction and wear need to be reduced, such as in bearings, seals and piston rings.

Wide application temperature range: PTFE's wide temperature range makes it suitable for a variety of environments from extreme low temperatures to high temperatures.

3. Selection Guide

Choose PEEK backup rings: If you need high-strength, high-temperature and wear-resistant sealing properties, especially in high-pressure and high-temperature environments, PEEK is an ideal choice.

Choose PTFE backup ring: If you need excellent chemical stability, low friction coefficient and wide range of temperature adaptability, especially in chemical corrosion and low temperature environments, PTFE is a better choice.

In summary, PEEK seal and PTFE seal each have their own advantages, and which material to choose depends on the specific application environment and performance requirements.