Effect of Carbon Fiber Fabric Modification on the Tensile Mechanical Characteristics of Polyether Ether Ketone/Carbon Fiber Fabric Composites.

AbstractIn the aviation industry lightweight, high-strength materials have replaced metals to lighten vehicles and reduce fuel consumption. Polymer matrix composite materials have thus been chosen because they are highly resistant to oxidation and chemicals, are lightweight compared to metals, and are simple to manufacture. The aim of this study was to increase the compatibility of carbon fiber fabric (CFF) with polyether ether ketone (PEEK) polymer. Meldrum’s acid and nitric acid modified CFFs were assessed using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PEEK matrix composites reinforced with CFF were produced by a compression molding method. The composites were characterized by tensile strength tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We concluded that the CFF modification improved the compatibility between CFF and PEEK. The enhancement of the tensile properties of the composites was another indication of this modification’s beneficial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]