Effect of methylene chloride sorption on the mechanical properties of poly(aryl‐ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK)

摘要

AbstractThe effect of sorbed methylene chloride on the tensile strength and fatigue crack growth (FCG) resistance of PEEK were determined. PEEK sorbs up to 23 wt methylene chloride; the transport process is essentially Case II, that is, the methylene chloride advances as a sharp front. Sorbed methylene chloride significantly reduces the tensile strength of neat PEEK and the strength reduction is linearly proportional to the amount of solvent sorbed. FCG rates in neat PEEK are increased by the methylene chloride sorption. At saturation, the FCG rates are two orders of magnitude higher than in dry PEEK. Methylene chloride plasticizes the resin, thereby reducing its glass transition temperature (Tg), tensile strength, and FCG resistance.