The problem of material incompatibility stems from head protection made of magnetic materials that can affect magnetic resonance (MR) brain scans, and computer tomography (CT) images are inaccurate. Although titanium is not magnetic, it can still generate some undesired heat and is therefore not suitable for use in this area, so finding a viable material becomes an important challenge.
PPL cooperated with RTP Corporation to use plastic materials for head protection. Due to size constraints and high bearing capacity, it requires a very high specific stiffness. In order to meet the mechanical standards, there is a need for bactericidal chemicals that can withstand high temperatures.
RTP Corporation produced a RTP 2200 PEEK based on a highly fluid carbon fiber reinforced composite. The material has a tensile strength up to 40,000 psi (276 MPa) and a flexural modulus up to 5.4 psi x 10E6 (37,233 MPa) to meet the required hardness and creep strength. The composite material can tolerate more extreme temperatures and harsh conditions of high pressure or radiation sterilization.