As core hub equipment for power transmission & distribution, industrial control electrical systems and new energy energy storage systems, transformers operate continuously under complex conditions including sustained electrification, temperature rise fluctuations, alternating electromagnetic fields and oil contamination. Extremely high standards are required for heat resistance, insulation stability, aging resistance and mechanical reliability of internal insulating materials and structural components.
Traditional accessories for transformers commonly adopt cardboard, epoxy resin and general plastics, which suffer limitations such as insufficient temperature resistance, susceptibility to brittle aging, moisture absorption and electric leakage, and premature failure under long-term operation. These drawbacks may trigger partial discharge, insulation degradation and equipment overheating faults, threatening the safe and stable operation of power systems. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a special engineering plastic, delivers a comprehensive portfolio of properties including outstanding electrical insulation, superior temperature resistance, low moisture absorption, oil and corrosion resistance, as well as anti-fatigue and anti-deformation performance. It serves as an upgraded alternative material for high-end dry-type transformers, oil-immersed transformers and high-frequency power transformers, comprehensively improving the safety, stability and service life of power equipment.
Superior Electrical Insulation Builds the Core Safety Barrier for Power Equipment
The fundamental safety of transformers hinges on insulation reliability. Operating under high-voltage, high-frequency and strong electromagnetic conditions, equipment faces potential risks such as creepage, dielectric breakdown and partial discharge. PEEK features excellent and stable dielectric properties with high dielectric strength and low dielectric loss. Its insulation performance barely degrades under wide temperature ranges, high voltage and humid environments, effectively resisting high-voltage surges and electromagnetic interference.
Compared with conventional insulating materials, PEEK hardly absorbs moisture and avoids electric leakage. It maintains consistent and stable insulating performance over long durations, eliminating risks of internal short circuit, electric discharge and breakdown within transformers, and ensuring safe and controllable high-voltage power conversion and transmission.
Exceptional Temperature Resistance & Thermal Aging Resistance Adapt to Continuous Temperature Rise of Transformers
Transformers generate persistent heat during operation. Overload, high-frequency operation and high ambient temperature will further elevate equipment temperature. Conventional insulating materials tend to soften, deform, pulverize and peel off due to aging under prolonged high-temperature operation, resulting in insulation failure.
PEEK boasts premium thermal performance with a continuous service temperature up to 260°C and a high heat distortion temperature. No structural deformation, performance degradation, pulverization or cracking occurs under continuous heat generation and alternating cold-hot cycles. Its outstanding resistance to thermo-oxidative aging perfectly matches the year-round uninterrupted operation mode of transformers. It fundamentally addresses industry pain points of high-temperature aging, short service life and frequent failures of traditional materials, greatly extending maintenance intervals and the overall service life of transformers.
Low Water Absorption, Oil & Corrosion Resistance for Complex Power Operating Environments
The interior of oil-immersed transformers is permanently immersed in insulating oil. Transformers deployed outdoors and in industrial sites are exposed to harsh environments including humidity, dust, acid and alkali corrosion, and diurnal temperature swings. Ordinary plastics easily absorb moisture and swell, exhibit poor oil resistance, and suffer swelling and peeling after long-term immersion, leading to rapid deterioration of insulation performance.
PEEK has an ultra-low water absorption rate and barely absorbs water or oil. It maintains stable dimensions and consistent performance under long-term immersion in insulating oil, high humidity, dusty and corrosive conditions without swelling, delamination or failure, adapting to transformer operation in all scenarios including indoor, outdoor, industrial and power grid applications.
High Strength & Dimensional Stability for Precision Power Structure Assembly
Modern high-end transformers are developing toward miniaturization, high density and high-precision structures, imposing strict requirements on dimensional accuracy and structural strength of insulating supports, spacer blocks, fixing brackets and insulating baffles.
With high molding precision, minimal shrinkage and excellent creep resistance, PEEK resists deformation and loosening under long-term loading and high-temperature conditions. It consistently maintains precise assembly clearances and prevents insufficient insulation distance, vibration noise and unstable operation caused by structural displacement. Meanwhile, the material features wear resistance and anti-fatigue capacity. It withstands long-term electromagnetic vibration of equipment with stable structures, substantially cutting transformer operation and maintenance costs.Against the trend of upgrading power equipment toward higher reliability, longer service life, maintenance-free operation and enhanced safety, PEEK features core strengths of high insulation, superior temperature resistance, low moisture absorption, oil & corrosion resistance, stable dimensional performance and extended service life. It is gradually replacing traditional insulating materials and widely applied in insulating structural parts, supports, isolation components and wear-resistant protective fittings of various high-end transformers. PEEK provides safer, more stable and long-lasting core material support for power grid transmission and distribution, industrial power supply, new energy storage and rail transit power systems.
