WhatsApp

X

PEEK High Temperature Insulated Wire: Key Applications of Radiation-Resistant Cables in Nuclear Power and Aerospace Industries

Polyetheretherketone wire PEEK cable industry application
Polyetheretherketone wire PEEK cable industry application

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) high-temperature insulated wire, with its superior high-temperature resistance, excellent radiation resistance, outstanding mechanical strength, and inherent flame-retardant properties, has become the preferred solution for high-reliability electrical connections in extremely harsh environments such as nuclear power plants and aerospace. It is not an ordinary wire, but a special functional material carrier that ensures the stable operation of critical systems even at the “edge of limits.”

  1. Why has TST CABLE PEEK become the “King of Insulation” in extreme environments?
Performance IndicatorsTST CABLE  PEEK Material Performance:Comparison of traditional materials (such as PTFE, silicone, PVC):
Continuous Operating Temperature-60℃ ~ +250℃ (short-term up to 300℃)PTFE: 260℃ but prone to cold flow; Silicone: 180℃; PVC: <105℃
Ionizing Radiation ResistanceWithstands >100 Mrad (gamma rays) without significant degradationPVC/silicone becomes brittle and cracks after 10–50 mrad.
Flame RetardancyUL94 V-0, halogen-free, low-smoke, self-extinguishingHalogen-containing materials release toxic gases when burned.
Mechanical StrengthTensile strength >90 MPa, abrasion-resistant, creep-resistantPTFE is soft and easily deformed; silicone has low strength.
Chemical StabilityResistant to strong acids, strong alkalis, aviation fuels, and hydraulic oilsSilicone is easily swollen by hydrocarbons.
Dielectric PropertiesDielectric constant ≈3.2 (1 MHz), low loss, high-frequency stabilitySome engineering plastics experience a significant increase in losses at high frequencies.

✅ Core Advantages: TST CABLE PEEK maintains long-term insulation integrity under multiple stress coupling conditions including high temperature, radiation, chemical corrosion, and high voltage—an uncompromising requirement for nuclear power and aerospace missions.

II. Nuclear Power Applications: Protecting the Reactor’s “Nerve Endings”

In nuclear power plants, especially in safety-grade (Class 1E) systems, cable failure can trigger reactor shutdowns or even safety accidents. PEEK insulated wires are used for:

 In-core Instrument Leads: Connecting core temperature and neutron flux sensors, directly exposed to high-flux neutron and gamma radiation fields, requiring a lifespan of ≥40 years;

 Control Rod Drive Mechanism (CRDM) Coil Leads: Withstanding frequent electromagnetic shocks and high-temperature steam environments, PEEK provides high dielectric strength and corona resistance;

 Containment Penetration Wiring: Maintaining insulation performance under LOCA (Loss-of-Coolant Accident) conditions (170℃, 0.4 MPa steam);

 Spent Fuel Pool Monitoring Systems: Prolonged immersion in boron-containing water and radiation environments highlights PEEK’s hydrolysis resistance and radiation resistance advantages. Certification Requirements: Must meet IEEE 323/IEEE 383 (nuclear-grade equipment qualification), RCC-E (French nuclear power standard), or ASME NQA-1.

III. Aerospace Applications: From Engines to Deep Space Exploration

In aircraft, weight reduction, reliability, and resistance to extreme temperatures are core requirements. PEEK insulated wires are widely used in:

 Aircraft Engine Control Systems (FADEC): Located near the turbine section (>200℃), replacing traditional fiberglass braided wires, reducing weight by 30% and resisting vibration fatigue;

 Airborne Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems: High-frequency signal transmission requires low dielectric loss; PEEK-based coaxial cables ensure signal integrity;

 Satellites and Deep Space Exploration: Resistant to cosmic rays and atomic oxygen corrosion, without cracking during thermal cycling from -100℃ to +200℃;

 Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) High-Voltage Busbars: Under 800V platforms, PEEK provides high CTI (compared to tracking index >600V) and lightweight insulation.

✅ Typical Standards: MIL-W-22759/86 (US Military Standard), EN 3438 (Airbus), SAE AS22759.

IV. TST CABLE PEEK Cable Product Structure and Manufacturing Process

Conductor: Silver-plated copper, nickel-clad copper, or alloy wire (improves high-temperature oxidation resistance);

Insulation: Single-layer extruded PEEK (wall thickness 0.1–0.5mm);

Or PEEK wrapping + sintering, for ultra-fine wire diameters (<0.2mm);

Shielding (optional): Silver-plated copper wire braid, coverage ≥90%;

Outer Sheath: Can be layered with PTFE or fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) to improve lubricity.

Process Challenges: PEEK has a high melting point of 343℃, requiring specialized high-temperature extrusion equipment and precise temperature control to prevent degradation.

V. Advantages of TST CABLE PEEK High-Temperature Insulated Wire

✅ Full range of nuclear-grade certifications: Passed IEEE 323 thermal aging + irradiation + LOCA tests;

✅ Aerospace compatibility: Compliant with MIL, EN, and SAE standards, supporting the AS9100 quality system;

✅ Ultra-fine wire diameter capability: Minimum conductor diameter 0.01mm, suitable for micro-sensors;

✅ Customized services: Color coding, double insulation, integrated fiber optic composite cable;

✅ Domestic substitution breakthrough: Breaking the European and American monopoly, reducing delivery cycle by 50%.

At the forefront of human technological exploration, the reliability of quality is uncompromising.

Whether it’s a nuclear reactor pressure vessel hundreds of meters deep,

or a jet engine at tens of thousands of meters altitude,

or a probe heading to Mars—

TST CABLE PEEK high-temperature insulated wire, with molecular-level stability,

protects every energy transmission and every command delivery.

We not only make “usable” cables, but also ultimate insulation solutions for “zero-tolerance” scenarios.

Because in the world of nuclear power and aerospace, failure is never an option.

Also available in: English

Scroll to Top