Effect of nano‐barium titanate on the mechanical, electrical and solubility performance of ferrite‐filled poly(ether ether ketone) composites

Abstract

AbstractFerrite and nano‐barium titanate reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) composites were made by compression moulding technology. The effects of reinforcement of the ferrite and nano‐barium titanate on the PEEK matrix were studied with the aim assessing its potential as a radar‐absorbing structural material (RASM). With an increase in the percentage filling of ferrite in the PEEK matrix, the specific gravity, hardness, tensile and flexural moduli, brittleness, dielectric constant, loss tangent and reflection losses were increased, while the tensile and flexural strengths, and elongation at break, were decreased. With increasing nano‐barium titanate reinforcement in the ferrite‐filled PEEK composites, the specific gravity, hardness, tensile and flexural strengths, tensile modulus and dielectric constant were comparatively increased, while the elongation at break, flexural modulus and loss tangent (marginally) were decreased. Reinforcement of the nano‐barium titanate caused a comparatively marginal reduction in the loss tangent, although no effect on reflection losses was observed. The solubility resistance of the ferrite‐filled PEEK composites was improved with reinforcement by the nano‐barium titanate. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry