Autoclave Processing of PEEK/Carbon Fiber Composites

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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.
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