Abstract

This work presents the effects of processing parameters on the mechanical properties of Carbon/PEKK thermoplastic composite laminates. Semi-crystalline PEKK polymer based composites are gaining interest of many researchers due to their higher glass transition temperature (156{493}C), high strength and stiffness, high toughness, low moisture absorption and excellent environmental resistance. The moderate processing temperature of PEKK polymer (330-380{493}C) has enabled its processability to be easier than PEEK. Different processing conditions are applied to fabricate flat laminates from Carbon/PEKK unitape using compression molding. Subsequently, their mechanical properties are determined. The primary properties of interest include tensile strength and tensile modulus for 0{493} and 90{493} laminates. Maximum tensile strengths for 0 and 90 degrees laminates are found to be 2130 MPa and 80 MPa respectively. Their maximum moduli are 161 GPa and 10.5 GPa respectively. The effects of the consolidation parameters on the mechanical properties are examined. Scanning Electron Microscopy is performed to observe the difference in microstructure due to the variable processing conditions. A processing window to obtain optimum properties for the laminates is established. The investigated range of parameters can serve as a guide to consolidate Carbon/PEKK laminates for high performance aerospace applications.