Effect of Polyetheretherketone Oligomer on the Mechanical Properties of Polyetheretherketone with Aromatic Liquid Crystalline Copolyester Blends

Abstract

The mechanical properties of blends of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with an all aromatic liquid crystalline copolyester (LCP) have been investigated. Additionally, PEEK oligomers were added as a third component to the above blends in order to improve the mechanical properties. The flexural modulus and tensile strength decreased except for the blends with low LCP. In contrast, the addition of the PEEK oligomers has little effect on modulus, but flexural and tensile strength were clearly improved and the ESCA absorption caused by carbonyl group was also reduced by addition of PEEK oligomer to PEEK/LCP blend. The improvement of the mechanical properties of the blend may be due to the formation of a crosslinked product which behaves as a good compatibilising agent for PEEK with LCP during the blending process.