Autoclave Processing of PEEK/Carbon Fiber Composites

Abstract

The influence of processing conditions on the laminate quality for auto claved carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been studied. The pro cessing temperature, pressure, and hold-time were the major variables examined, and their influences on the structure and properties for an 8-ply thick laminate were investigated. The structural evaluation performed on a macroscopic level in terms of compaction, resin/fiber homogeneity and void content, as well as morphological studies, showed a well-defined lower processing temperature limit at approximately 375°C, for satisfactory laminate quality. The lower processing temperature limit was also corroborated by the fracture toughness properties of the laminate. Contrary to processing temperature, pro cessing pressure and hold-times showed a secondary influence on the final laminate quality.