PEEK Encapsulated Magnetic Stir Bars and Discs

PEEK Power Stir Bars and Discs

Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) is the strongest of the permanent magnetic materials. Previously, Neodymium Iron Boron has not been available as a completely encapsulated Magnetic Stir Element. V&P is the only source of encapsulated NdFeB. We offer a high and a low temperature resistant form of the NdFeB which can be selected to fit your application. We also offer Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) rare earth magnets which are available for even higher-temperature applications. By way of comparison, Alnico magnets the most commonly used in magnetic stir bars, are much weaker at only 7 MGO. So if you need to stir viscous material, soil samples, wood chips, or particulates at high speeds or to grind nanoparticles with glass beads, this is the system for you.

The disc design of the VP 772D series makes them significantly more efficient at moving liquid and thereby mixing solution in the tumble mode. Selecting a disc that is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the vessel to be stirred results in the most efficient stirring. To stir viscous material requires greater energy so we constructed these discs from Neodymium Iron Boron and encapsulated them with PTFE to make them inert.

The VP 772DP-N42-5-2 and VP 772DK-N42-5-2 (5 mm diameter x 1.7 mm thick) PTFE and PEEK encapsulated disc was designed to fit into 96 well microplates, deep well 96 well microplates and glass micro-tubes.

The VP 772DP-N42-8-2 (8 mm diameter x 1.8 mm thick) PTFE encapsulated disc was designed to fit into many vials. If your application requires a different diameter, let us know.

We also offer PTFE encapsulated NdFeB and SmCo stir bars and discs. For information on these stir bars and discs see this link Encapsulated Magnegic Stir Bars and discs.

* Mega Gauss Oersteds (MGO)

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a thermoplastic with excellent mechanical and chemical resistance properties that are retained through higher temperature applications.  Because of these inherent properties, PEEK is an ideal material for use as a magnetic stir bar in high mechanical stress induced applications for its abrasion resistance or when chemical attacks are a concern.  Click here for detailed information on the properties of PEEK.

PEEK is much superior to PTFE in grinding applications or applications where glass beads or Zirconium Oxide beads are used to make nano particles.

V&P is the first to offer this option with our new PEEK POWER Magnetic Stir Bars.  Made with PEEK-CLASSIX from Invibio.  Click here for detailed information on PEEK-CLASSIX.

Key Features of PEEK-CLASSIX:

• Meets US Pharmacopoeia Class VI / ISO 10993 Standards
• Able to withstand repeat autoclaving
• Superior chemical resistance
• Mechanical strength
• Excellent wear and impact resistance

PEEK-CLASSIX Certifications:

• US Pharmacopoeia Class VI
• ISO 10993-1 Guidance
• ISO 10993-5 Cytotoxicity
• ISO 10993-10 Sensitization

PEEK-CLASSIX is the polymer of choice when working with “hard” substances such as glass/zirconium beads, metallic precipitants, or any material that would damage the common PTFE stir element and contaminate the sample.  It offers the excellent chemical resistance and inertness of PTFE while providing superior mechanical and wear resistance that PTFE lacks.  The polymer has a continuous operating temperature of 500°F (260°C) and retains a high level of physical properties close to its melting temperature of 645°F (343°C).
 

Download Video of PTFE vs PEEK Magnetic Stir Bars
(mpeg movie- 8MB)

Press the play button to view the video in a flash format, flash must be installed, or click the download link to download a mpeg version.

Some of the applications include:
 

·         Nanosuspension synthesis in drugs where the PEEK stirrer can be used to break down drug compounds in combination with zirconium oxide beads.  Other materials, such as a PTFE encapsulated magnets or even stainless steel will be quickly damaged by the zirconium oxide beads, leading to sample contamination, while PEEK will remain virtually undamaged for a prolonged (8 hours) period of mixing.
 

·         Grinding wood pulp using the PEEK stirrers for fermenting biomass.  One of our customers requested some of our PTFE magnetic stir bars, but quickly found out that the PTFE, because it is a soft material, was destroyed by the wood pulp.  We recommended using one of our PEEK stir bar and the problem was solved.
 

Download Video of PEEK Encapsulated Magnetic Stir Bars  
(mpeg movie- 10MB)

Press the play button to view the video in a flash format, flash must be installed, or click the download link to download a mpeg version.

NdFeB (42 MGO) Magnet - heat stable to 150° C

NdFeB (52 MGO) Magnet - heat stable to 80° C

SmCo (29 MGO) Magnet - heat stable to 300° C