An investigation of the influence of matrix properties and fibre–matrix interface behaviour on the mechanical performance of carbon fibre-reinforced PEKK and PEEK composites

Poly-ether-ketone-ketone (PEKK) is an emerging alternative to poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) as a matrix for high-performance carbon fibre (CF) reinforced composites. Herein, the results of an experimental investigation to examine the influence of matrix properties and fibre–matrix interface behavio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Applied science and manufacturing, 2023-02, Vol.165, p.107359, Article 107359
Main Authors: Ramaswamy, Karthik, Modi, Vedant, Rao, Pavan S., Martin, Pedro P., McCarthy, Conor T., O'Higgins, Ronan M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carbon-fibre
Crystallinity
Fibre-matrix adhesion
Fractography analysis
In-plane tests
Interlaminar tests
Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK)
Poly-ether-ketone-ketone (PEKK)
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Summary:Poly-ether-ketone-ketone (PEKK) is an emerging alternative to poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) as a matrix for high-performance carbon fibre (CF) reinforced composites. Herein, the results of an experimental investigation to examine the influence of matrix properties and fibre–matrix interface behaviour on the mechanical performances of CF/PEKK and CF/PEEK composites are presented. CF/PEKK presents superior strength under longitudinal tension, longitudinal and transverse compression, as well as in-plane shear. It also exhibits better interfacial shear strength (IFSS) than CF/PEEK, which contributes to its superior strength, as damage typically initiates at the fibre–matrix interface under in-plane loading. Predictions of different analytical models adopted from the literature, which assess the influence of fibre–matrix adhesion on the in-plane strength, compare favourably to the experiments. Under cyclic shear tests, CF/PEKK exhibited more gradual stiffness reductions and low shear plasticity until 5% shear strain, indicating a more damage tolerant matrix. Relative to CF/PEEK, CF/PEKK presents superior interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and mode I fracture toughness (GIC), but similar mode II fracture toughness (GIIC). High GIC is due to a synergistic interaction between its inherently ductile matrix and high IFSS, while ILSS strongly correlates with IFSS. Overall, CF/PEKK offers a better combination of strength and toughness, exceeding CF/PEEK.
ISSN:1359-835X
1878-5840
DOI:10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107359