Speciality chemicals major Evonik is pushing deeper into high-performance materials with the launch of a new tribological solution built to endure extreme conditions.
The company has unveiled VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2, a PEEK-based (polyether ether ketone) material engineered for slide bearings operating under intense heat and pressure.
The product can be deployed either as a polymer coating in hybrid bearings or as a full PEEK-based bearing, offering flexibility across demanding applications. It is primarily designed for injection molding but can also be extruded.
“Our latest launch of the VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2 material is part of our business line’s strategy to expand the range of tribological applications for our innovative PEEK-based products. This includes working with customers in the industrial, medical and robotics industry to solve their especially challenging needs,” says Christopher Studte, head of the Industrial PEEK segment at Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line.
In a notable shift, the material is produced without intentionally added fluoropolymers such as PTFE—a common component in conventional slide bearing materials.
Performance claims are central to the launch. “Comprehensive test data has shown VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2 to have superior tribological properties – especially in its resistance to high temperatures, pressure and velocity – when compared to other polymer-based slide bearing materials on today’s market,” says Philipp Kilian, research and development Program Manager for PEEK in Evonik’s High Performance Polymers.
“Additionally, VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2 demonstrated excellent results compared to other polymer bearings – as well as traditional metal bearings - in dry-run and lubricated slide bearing tests at various temperatures.”
Evonik is positioning the material as a versatile solution for slide bearings, thrust washers, and seals in high-stress environments.
“Our PEEK-based VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2 is a superb material for slide bearings, thrust washers and also seals in challenging conditions,” says Studte.
“Customers will benefit from the product’s light weight as well as its improved energy-efficiency and noise dampening in many applications. VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2’s compatibility with injection molding will also give customers increased cost-efficiency, especially when scaling up to produce large quantities.”
To support adoption, Evonik says it will provide customers with detailed test data on friction and wear performance, enabling precise calibration for specific industrial uses.
