Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Composites Reinforced with Fly Ash and Mica

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites were developed using fly ash and mica as fillers. PEEK composites of 5-30 wt% loading were compounded using twin screw extruder. Tensile strength, tensile modulus and flexural modulus increased with the incorporation of both the fillers in PEEK matrix. Tensile modulus of PEEK fly ash composites was found to be higher than PEEK mica composites. Charpy impact strength of PEEK mica composites improved drastically up to 15 wt% of filler but in PEEK fly ash composites charpy impact strength was decreased. The effect of fly ash and mica on the percentage crystallinity of PEEK composites was studied by using modulated differential scanning calorimeter (MDSC). Limiting oxygen index (LOI) of PEEK fly ash and mica composites also improved by 11% and 24% respectively than pure PEEK at 30 wt% loading respectively. The dynamic modulus of PEEK composites shows over 133% increment at 100-250 °C, indicating improvement of elevated temperature mechanical properties. Effects of filler on the morphology of PEEK composites have also been discussed.