Analysis of the voids formation mechanisms in CF/PEKK blank by water absorption behavior

Abstract

The internal defects formed during infrared (IR) heating of carbon fiber-polyetherketoneketone thermoplastic composites at different temperatures and dwell times were analyzed based on the water absorption characteristics. IR heating generates internal defects such as voids, which affect the water absorption behavior of the composites; lesser voids were generated under higher heating temperatures and longer dwell times. A void formation mechanism consisting of growth, transfer, and removal of voids was proposed based on the difference in the standard deviation of the water absorption content. The reduction in the water absorption content of the composite after reforming confirmed the recovery of voids. All the specimens, except those heated at 420[Formula: see text]C for 5 min or more, showed good recovery.