The Addition of Carbon Nanotube on the Tensile Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PEEK Composites

The main objective of this paper is to develop high strength resistance carbon fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone (PEEK) composites with the addition of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). These compounds were well mixed in a Haake batch mixer, and compounded polymers were fabricated into sheets of known thickness by compression moulding. Samples were tested for tensile properties with respect to different concentration of fillers. The tensile properties of these samples depend on filler aspect ratio. The tensile fracture surface has been examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Photomicrographs of the worn surfaces revealed the effect of the addition of carbon nanotubes. Also, better interfacial adhesion between carbon and vinyl ester in carbon reinforced vinyl ester composite was observed.