THE EFFECT OF THERMAL AGING ON CARBON-FIBER-REINFORCED POLYETHERETHERKETONE (PEEK) .1. STATIC AND DYNAMIC FLEXURAL PROPERTIES

The static and dynamic mechanical properties of carbon fibre-reinforced PEEK (APC-2) laminates subjected to long-term thermal ageing and cycling treatments have been studied using three-point bend flexure tests. Results are discussed with respect to morphological changes and degradation analysis. S/N curves were modelled using fatigue modulus degradation data. Ageing laminates at high temperatures, for long time periods, between the glass transition temperature, T-g, and the melting temperature, T-m, caused a significant reduction in mechanical properties. However, for short ageing periods, a crystal-perfection process occurs which enhanced the low stress level fatigue resistance of both laminate geometries.