PK (POK) materials, with their unique molecular structure, demonstrate excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability, offering notable advantages in pipeline fitting applications.
—— Background ——
PK (POK) materials, with their unique molecular structure, demonstrate excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability, offering notable advantages in pipeline fitting applications.
Currently, the commonly used engineering materials for replacing metals in the market are PA12 and PA11. As a new material, PK demonstrates comparable performance and has its own advantages in pipeline fitting applications. At the same time, this also represents continuous exploration and advancement of PK material performance.
Compared with traditional metal pipelines, PK demonstrates excellent performance not only in strength, pressure resistance, and (low-temperature) impact resistance, but also offers lighter weight and higher chemical corrosion resistance. It is particularly suitable for key systems such as brake fluid pipes, fuel lines, and coolant pipes. It also demonstrates more stable performance in environments involving vibration, impact, and significant temperature variations, reducing the risk of pipeline damage or leakage. PK can also be considered as an optional material for future pipeline applications in hydrogen storage equipment.
For metal materials, corrosion caused by contact with various solutions is a significant challenge.
PK Chemical Resistance
PK materials are resistant to most solvents, with chemical resistance comparable to PPS materials.
PK materials demonstrate strong resistance to various chemical solvents, including oils, fuels, acids, alkalis, and solvents (except strong acids and strong alkalis). Compared with metal materials, PK used in pipeline fittings provides significant performance advantages. It also offers better chemical corrosion resistance than PA12, maintaining more stable pipeline performance and structural integrity during long-term contact with corrosive media.
Data Comparison
Performance comparison after materials were placed in different solutions for a certain period of time:
PK vs PA12 → HCl 10% 23℃
PK vs PA12 → NaOH 10% 23℃
PK vs PA12 vs PA11→ NaCl 5% 23℃
The mechanical properties of PK are comparable to PA12 and even exceed PA12 in some aspects, making PK a feasible and alternative material option for applications requiring robust materials. In addition, PK has a heat deflection temperature of up to 200℃, higher than PA12, allowing it to withstand short-term high temperatures without unnecessary deformation and making it suitable for applications where PA12 cannot meet requirements.
Furthermore, PK materials also have excellent barrier properties, which can effectively prevent hydrocarbon gas permeation in applications such as pipeline fittings. Its barrier capability is comparable to EVOH.
PK materials also possess excellent fatigue resistance and durability. Under long-term pressure or frequent cyclic stress conditions, PK can maintain a long service life, reducing pipeline replacement frequency and maintenance costs.
With the current pursuit of automotive lightweighting, PK pipelines can help reduce vehicle weight, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. In addition, PK materials offer recyclability and low-carbon production advantages, aligning with the automotive industry’s current trend toward carbon neutrality goals.
Compared with PA12, PK materials provide greater environmental advantages and can further enhance the overall sustainability of vehicles. Their excellent chemical stability and mechanical properties ensure safe use under different fluid media and temperature variations, providing safe and reliable pipeline systems.
