Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone Composites Reinforced with Alumina Nanoparticles: Processing and Characterization

Abstract

In this study, the thermoplastic poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) was reinforced with alumina nanoparticles and the effect of adding nanoparticles on the properties of PEEK was investigated. A novel processing route consisting of first dispersing the nanoparticles and fine PEEK powder in ethanol medium through ultrasonication and then compounding the dried mixture in a single screw extruder to produce tapes was adapted to make the composites. Composites having particle weight fractions of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 5% were prepared successfully. Transmission electron micrographs of the prepared composites indicated excellent dispersion of nanoparticles even for the 5% composite. Subsequently, thermal, tensile and dynamic properties of the composite were evaluated. The results of the thermal characterization indicated that addition of 5% weight fraction of the nanoparticles improved the thermal decomposition temperature by 27°C. The storage modulus increased with addition of nanoparticles whereas the loss factor decreased. The tensile strength and failure strain of the 5% composite was respectively, 9% and 28% higher than that of PEEK.

Keywords

PEEK alumina nanoparticles glass transition temperature sonication crystallinity.

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