PEEK MAGNET WIRE

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) belongs to one of the most technologically advanced classes of thermoplastic polymers - polyaryletherketones (PAEK) [1]. PAEK, and especially PEEK, belong to the class of high temperature polymers.

PEEK is formed using a stiff aromatic polymer base, contributing to its high temperature and wear resistance compared to other polymers. Thanks to its chemical structure, this polymer combines many advantages.

Like most high performance materials, its main disadvantage is its high cost compared to other polymers such as PPS or PAI. As a result, its use is limited to areas where all the high-tech properties are required.

The main characteristics of the three most popular high temperature engineering polymers, PEEK, PAI and PPS, and their comparison are shown in table [3]. It shows that PEEK has better thermal stability and can be used in higher temperature applications.

The data presented previously refer to the polymer materials themselves. But after they are applied to the wire, their thermal classes of wires are as follows. Based on these values the benefits of PEEK wire are even clearer.

To produce a high-quality electric motor, it is essential to use strong, stable stator winding insulation. In fact, the failure rate data for electric motors shows that stator winding damage is the second most common cause of stator failure. According to statistics [4] up to 40% of electric motor failures are due to stator failure. The most common cause of failure is defects in its winding, which consists of polymer-coated copper wire. Therefore, by ensuring reliable wire insulation, it is possible to guarantee the proper functioning of the stator - the heart of the electric car.

Another special and important property of PEEK is the peculiarity of its structure. Since PEEK is a semi-crystalline polymer, it is possible to modify its properties by changing its degree of crystallinity. It can be adjusted directly during the coating process, according to technological requirements.

 The DryCycle® technology (patent EP3518255B1), which allows excellent control of the dynamics of the coating process, can exploit this feature of PEEK to obtain products with the desired properties. In addition, this technology avoids the use of the toxic solvents that are used in the conventional method of enamelling. This makes the process of creating magnetic wires safer and more environmentally friendly.
 This article presents test data from Tre Tau Engineering's DryCycle® wire made with commercially available PEEK with no fillers.

Tau is a technology company at the core of energy transition, decarbonization of energy and electrification of transport. Its patented technologies reconcile the necessity of sustainable, resource-minimizing manufacturing with the power, reliability and performance that electrification requires to enable smaller, greener, longer-lasting and more powerful motors, transformers and generators. Tau focuses on carbon-conscious protective coatings for high-performance and standard copper, aluminium and steel wires.

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