Fabrication and properties of high performance PEEK/Si₃N₄ nanocomposites

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2011-01, Vol.119 (1), p.311-318
• Main Authors: Balaji, V, Tiwari, A.N, Goyal, R.K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; crystallinity; Crystallization; Dynamics; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; hardness; Materials science; Nanocomposites; PEEK; Polyetheretherketones; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers; Reproduction; Scratch hardness; Silicon nitride; Technology of polymers; Vickers microhardness; wear rate
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.32750

The crystallization, morphology, microhardness, scratch hardness, dynamic modulus, and wear behavior of high performance poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) matrix nanocomposites reinforced with 0 to 30 wt % silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) nanoparticles were reported. The crystallinity of PEEK nanocomposites increases at 2.5 wt % Si₃N₄ but, thereafter it decreases with increasing Si₃N₄ content due to the hindrance to the ordering of PEEK chains. The crystallization peak temperature and crystallization onset temperature increases by 14°C for 10 wt % nanocomposite. The melting temperature does not vary significantly with Si₃N₄ content. SEM shows almost uniform distribution of Si₃N₄ in the PEEK matrix. The Vickers microhardness and scratch hardness increases significantly up to 10 wt % Si₃N₄ content.The dynamic modulus of nanocomposites increases below and above Tg of PEEK. The specific wear rate of nanocomposites with 2.5 wt % Si₃N₄ is reduced significantly and it is lowest at 10 wt % Si₃N₄. However, the coefficient of friction of nanocomposites is more than that of pure PEEK.