Time-dependent mechanical properties of 3-D braided graphite/PEEK composites

Poly(ether-ether-ketone) or PEEK, was developed as a high performance engineering material. In this study, 3-D braided AS4 graphite/PEEK (graphite/PEEK) composites were performed and processed to investigate the combined performance of this new system. These manufactured composites were then characterized, using matrix digestion and wide angle x-ray diffraction, to determine their fiber volume fractions and degrees of crystallinity. After physical characterization, the mechanical response of these composites were evaluated at various temperatures. Experimental results from tensile measurements are compared to a fabric geometry model (FGM). This model predicts tensile strength based upon fiber and matrix properties, fiber volume fraction, and braiding angle. The model and experimental results are given here, and are in good agreement with each other. In order to study the time-dependent mechanical properties of these 3-D braided graphite/PEEK composites, their stress relaxation and dynamic mechanical properties were evaluated. The dynamic mechanical properties of PEEK composites are compared to short fiber and continuous fiber reinforced PEEK composites to determine the effects of fiber geometry.