Performance Plastics signs new UK distribution agreement

Stockist and distributor of polymer granules and bespoke compounds, Performance Plastics, has announced it has signed a new distribution agreement with India-based Gharda Chemicals Limited.

The deal, which was signed during the Fakuma exhibition in October, saw the Hampshire-based company agree to distribute Gharda’s G-PAEK (PEK-Polyether Ketone), GAPEKK (PEKK-Polyether Ketone Ketone) and GAZOLE (ABPBI-Polybenzimidazole) products, as well as its blends and compounds in the UK.

Performance Plastics’ focus is engineering plastics and the company says the addition of these products to its portfolio will enable it to offer “greater solutions” for ultra performance and very high temperature applications.

The company explained that ‘G-PAEK’, with a glass transition temperature of 152°C and a melting temperature of 372°C, delivers extended high temperature performance over standard PEEK polymer, while delivering all of the same advantages, such as mechanical strength and chemical resistance at up to 20° C higher than PEEK.

In addition, it shows better creep resistance and wear properties than standard PEEK. G-PAEK is available as unfilled, glass filled, carbon filled and lubricated grades.

Secondly, it said ‘GAPEKK’ with Tg 172°C & Tm 395°C, combines high temperature stability, strength, stiffness and ease of processing. GAPEKK reportedly has the highest temperature, as well as highest resistance, compared to other ketone-based polymers. It has excellent creep resistance, wear and radiation resistance and also has inherently low flammability.

Finally, Performance Plastics said ‘GAZOLE’ can be formulated in to products by compression moulding, or blends can be processed like thermoplastics. These blends are said to show extraordinary wear resistant properties with high PV values and high temperature resistance.