Victrex Polymer Solutions, the PEEK polymer division of Victrex (Thornton Cleveleys / UK; www.victrex.com), has introduced the “Victrex” WG101 compound to provide high mechanical load and wear and friction performance in thrust washers used in challenging thermal and chemical environments. Victrex says the low density compound can be processed economically and offers significantly improved wear rates and reduced coefficient of friction when compared to standard Victrex PEEK 450FC30, which is used in most of Victrex PEEK polymer applications in friction and wear environments.

The company claims that the compound offers a 30% increase in compressive strength compared with standard 450FC30 and is PTFE-free. The compound has been developed for a wide range of applications from full plastic wear bushings and composite bushings to vane tips in vacuum pumps. It offers good melt flow, allowing thin walled intricate component design, and high weld line strength, Victrex says.