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Title: Effects of solvent exposures on poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) and PEEK-fiberglass composites

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7170555

Specimens of PEEK and PEEK-fiberglass (FG) were exposed to a number of solvents, and, after removal of the solvents, were tested for changes in weight, tensile strength, and thermal/chemical properties. Solvents tested included: Alconox/water, ethanol, trichloroethylene, ethylene glycol, toluene, Freon TF, silicone oil, and dilute (15%) NaOH and H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ solutions. Exposures were for five days at temperatures up to 80/sup 0/C. The only significant decreases in tensile strength after solvent exposure occurred with the dilute NaOH-exposed PEEK-FG specimens. Several samples showed minor weight changes. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the ability of the solvent-exposed PEEK or PEEK-FG recrystallize was not affected, except in concentrated H/sub 2/S/sub 4/ (greater than or equal to65 wt %) solutions. Similarly, infrared (ir) spectroscopic analyses showed no changes in solvent-exposed PEEK or PEEK-FG, except in greater than or equal to85% H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/, where minor changes in the ir spectrum were observed. Examination of the glass transition (Tg) region of concentrated (65%) H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/-exposed PEEK, the dilute NaOH-exposed PEEK-FG, and the dilute H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/-exposed PEEK-FG by thermomechanical and dynamic mechanical analyses showed no significant differences from unexposed controls. Similar results were obtained for alcohol- and trichloroethylene-exposed PEEK specimens. 7 figs., 9 tabs.

Research Organization:
Monsanto Research Corp., Miamisburg, OH (USA). Mound
OSTI ID:
7170555
Report Number(s):
MLM-3405; ON: DE87004142
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English