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U.S. Department of Energy
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Stress-induced structural changes in thermoplastic composites

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:6976989

Polymeric Composites: Cyclic stress effects on PEEK (Poly-ether-ether-ketone) matrix thermoplastic composite system were examined by thermal-analysis techniques: DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimeter), DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis), TMA (Thermomechanical Analysis), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), TMA (Thermomechanical Analysis), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), DGT (Density Gradient Technique), and WAXS (Wide angle X-ray Scattering). These measurements identified for the first time stress-induced crystallization of PEEK below the glass transition temperature (Tg). Also, PEEK crystallization above T[sub g] was kinetically studied by DSC and DMA, and a previously developed dual-crystallization methodology was extended to account for the influence of stress on crystallization. Finally, a fatigue kinetic model for un-notched PEEK films and a crack propagation model for PEEK composites were also developed providing a relation between matrix morphology and end-use performance. Collectively, this work established the importance of structural changes in thermoplastic-based composites that can be both monitored and influenced by dynamic (cyclic) mechanical experiments.

Research Organization:
Washington Univ., Seattle, WA (United States)
OSTI ID:
6976989
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English