Effects of the Size and Nature of Fillers on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of PEEK Matrix Composites

Abstract

The properties of composites are governed by the properties of each of the constituents and their interactions at the interface. In nanocomposites, this contact surface is larger at constant filler rate, which makes the role of the interface preponderant. This chapter focuses on four types of fillers that are known to increase the thermal conductivity of polymer matrix composites and/or provide mechanical reinforcement. These are alumina, silicon carbide, boron nitride and graphite. In addition, studies that focus on understanding “nano” phenomena are conducted with model matrices, namely whose rheological behavior is close to the flowing model developed by Flory, and whose resistance to degradation is appropriate for long characterizations. The matrix used is PEEK, a polyaryletherketone, whose chemical structure made up of aromatic groups linked by ether and ketone groups gives the material a high chemical resistance and mechanical rigidity.