Abstract
Aliphatic polyketone polymers exhibit many desirable engineering thermoplastic (ETP) characteristics including excellent chemical resistance and barrier properties. Hydrolytic stability is particularly good in aliphatic polyketones leading to performance advantages over many condensation polymers such as polyamides and polyesters. The flexible chain and high concentration of dipoles associated with the backbone structure also promote low free volume in the polymer matrix. As a result, aliphatic polyketones exhibit excellent barrier properties to hydrocarbons (unleaded gasoline) and small gases such as oxygen. The general mechanical property set is discussed in relation to chemical exposure and specific permeation data.