Modified continuous carbon fiber‐reinforced poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) composites by blending polyetherimide and polyethersulfone

Abstract

AbstractPoly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK) is a novel high performance thermoplastic with outstanding high temperature resistance and excellent mechanical properties and therefore, it is a very ideal candidate matrix for advanced composites. However, its high melting viscosity makes the melting process difficult. In this article, two well‐known high performance thermoplastics, polyetherimide (PEI) and polyethersulfone (PES) were introduced to PPESK in order to reduce the melting viscosity of PPESK and to improve the properties of composites. The effect of addition of PEI and PES on the resultant composites was studied. A series of unidirectional composites were made of PPESK and its PEI and PES blends as matrix and continuous carbon fiber (T700) as reinforcement. The solution prepregging method and hot‐press molding method were used in preparation of composites. The effects of polymer blends matrix on mechanical properties, interfacial adhesion, and fracture mode were studied by three points bending, interlaminar shearing, porosity, and scanning electron microscope test. The results show that the mechanical properties and interfacial adhesion increases, and the porosity decrease after blending PEI or PES in the matrix. Addition of PEI and PES to PPESK results in an obvious transition of fracture mode. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers