The Polymer That Outperforms PEEK and PAI
The petrochemical industry operates in some of the most demanding environments on Earth, where materials must endure extreme temperatures, aggressive chemicals, and high-pressure conditions. High-performance polymers have various limitations regarding mechanical integrity, wear resistance, and chemical resistance in prolonged contact with oil, sour gas, methane, hydrogen sulfide, and brine. These limitations create a pressing need for materials that deliver superior performance under extreme conditions.
Celazole® T-Series meets this challenge by providing an advanced thermoplastic solution engineered for exceptional durability, wear resistance, and heat stability. Developed by PBI Performance Products, Inc., Celazole® T-Series blends Polybenzimidazole (PBI) with polyetheretherketone (PEEK), resulting in a material that withstands the harshest petrochemical environments while offering significant performance advantages.
What is Celazole® T-Series?
Celazole® T-Series is a family of injection moldable advanced thermoplastic polymers designed for high-temperature, high-wear, and chemically aggressive environments. By combining PBI with PEEK, this series offers superior heat deflection, exceptional wear resistance, and outstanding creep resistance. These characteristics enable it to maintain structural integrity even under intense operational conditions.
The series consists of several formulations, each catering to different mechanical and thermal demands, and is available in pellet form for injection molding. TU-60 is an unfilled version that excels in high-temperature stability and chemical resistance. TL-60 is self-lubricating, making it ideal for low-friction and wear-resistance applications. TF-60V, reinforced with glass fibers, enhances electrical insulation, while TF-60C, containing carbon fibers, provides exceptional mechanical strength and fatigue resistance.
Why the Petrochemical Industry Needs Celazole® T-Series
Petrochemical processing involves extreme temperatures, aggressive chemicals, and high-pressure conditions that demand durable and reliable materials. Celazole® T-Series offers superior thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength, making it an ideal solution for critical applications.
Key Advantages of Celazole® T-Series:
- High-Temperature Performance
- Operates reliably in temperatures from 400 to 500°F (204 to 260°C)
- Outperforms other engineering plastics in extreme heat environments under load
- Exceptional Chemical Resistance
- Withstands exposure to sour gas, hydrogen sulfide, brine, corrosion inhibitors, solvents, and hydrocarbons
- Ensures long-term durability in aggressive petrochemical environments
- Ideal for seals, valve seats, and load-bearing components
- Superior Wear and Friction Resistance
- TL-60 surpasses PEEK, PAI, and PI in many high-friction conditions
- Runs significantly cooler than competing materials, reducing heat-related failures
- Minimizes downtime and lowers maintenance costs
- High Mechanical Strength Under Extreme Loads
- Tested at 2,500 to 4,000 psi under speeds of 50 ft/min
- Handles high-pressure conditions without compromising integrity
- Extends the service life of bearings, bushings, and seals
Common Applications of Celazole® T-Series in the Petrochemical Industry
Celazole® T-Series is well-suited for applications requiring high mechanical and chemical resilience. Bearings and bushings benefit from their outstanding wear resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance under heavy loads. Thrust washers, subjected to wear and pressure, remain durable thanks to the material’s superior longevity.
Valve seats and seals must resist high temperatures and aggressive chemicals and perform reliably when made with Celazole® T-Series. Piston rings and backup seals, often exposed to corrosive gases and oil, maintain their integrity over extended periods. Compressor vanes and seals improve operational efficiency while extending equipment lifespan.
Additionally, the material is an excellent choice for turbine components and metal processing equipment, where high-speed and high-stress conditions demand a robust and heat-resistant polymer.
Celazole® T-Series vs. Other High-Performance Polymers
TL-60 outperforms PEEK, PAI, and PI in wear resistance and friction performance. It demonstrates significantly lower wear rates and operates at cooler temperatures, enhancing component lifespan and reducing the risk of heat-induced failures. Studies comparing TL-60 to other wear-grade polymers have shown:
- Superior Wear Resistance
- 4.6x lower wear rate than PEEK
- 2.1x lower wear rate than PAI
- 1.5x lower wear rate than PI
- Lower Operating Temperatures
- 100°F cooler than PEEK
- 50°F cooler than PI
- 40°F cooler than PAI
Celazole® T-Series also excels in heat resistance, maintaining mechanical strength and stability at higher temperatures, preventing thermal degradation and softening. Specifically:
- Long-Term Durability & Reliability
- Higher strength, higher modulus, and lower creep as compared to PEEK
Need Professional Help?
Celazole® T-Series is proving to be a reliable solution for extreme applications. Industries that require durable, high-performance polymers will find that Celazole® T-Series offers strength, longevity, and performance.
For more information on Celazole® T-Series and to see if PBI may be a fit for your unique applications, reach out to our team to speak to a product specialist.