Background PK Selector

Introducing the Aliphatic Polyketone (PK) Grade Screening App

Hello, my name is Herwig Juster and welcome to the PF Selector for Polyketone polymers!

In the fast-paced world of polymer material selection and plastic part design, finding the right material can be a daunting task. With the growing demand for high-performance, sustainable materials, aliphatic Polyketone (PK) is gaining renewed attention among engineers and designers—especially in Europe. That’s why I’m excited to introduce my newly developed app, designed to revolutionize the way you scout and screen commercial aliphatic Polyketone grades!

A Brief Journey Through Polyketone’s History

Polyketone’s story is as unique as its properties. Originally launched in the 1990s by Shell under the brand name Carilon, aliphatic Polyketone quickly attracted interest for its remarkable balance of mechanical and chemical properties. However, the material was discontinued in 2000, leaving a gap in the market. Fast forward to 2013, and Hyosung Corporation breathed new life into PK with the launch of Poketone, making this versatile polymer available once again.

What makes Polyketone so special? Its semi-crystalline molecular structure, alternating between carbon monoxide (CO) and olefin, imparts a unique set of properties. PK is available as both a copolymer (ethylene and CO) and a terpolymer (ethylene, propylene, and CO). The terpolymer variant, in particular, offers enhanced processing for extrusion and injection molding applications. Thanks to its excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and low permeability, PK is a strong candidate to replace traditional engineering polymers like Polyamides, POM, and PBT.

Your New Go-To Tool for PK Grade Selection

Selecting the right Polyketone grade just got easier! My new app is tailored to help engineers, designers, and material specialists efficiently navigate the landscape of commercially available aliphatic PK grades—focusing on European providers.

Two Powerful Ways to Search

1. Direct Grade Selection:
   Choose from a comprehensive list of commercial Polyketone grades. Instantly access key properties such as:

   • Tensile strength

   • Tensile modulus

   • Elongation at break

   • Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) at 1.8 MPa

   • UL rating

   • Charpy notched impact

2. Property-Based Search:
   Have specific requirements in mind? Simply enter your desired property values, and the app will recommend matching commercial PK grades that fit your needs.

This dual approach streamlines the material selection process, saving you valuable time and ensuring you find the best fit for your application.

Built for the Community—And Growing!

This is just the beginning. As the first version, the app currently covers the most critical properties and a robust selection of grades. Over time, I plan to expand the database with more properties and additional grades, making the tool even more powerful and versatile.

Get Involved!

I invite you to try out the new Polyketone selection tool and experience a smarter way to choose your next engineering polymer. Your feedback is invaluable—please share your thoughts, suggestions, or feature requests to help shape future updates.

Are you a supplier or manufacturer with a Polyketone grade you’d like to see listed? Reach out to me directly—I’m eager to collaborate and make this resource as comprehensive as possible for the entire community.

Ready to streamline your Polyketone selection process? Try the app today and join the conversation!

If you’d like any adjustments or a shorter/longer version, just let me know here!

Thanks and greetings, 

Herwig Juster