Investigations on stamping of C/PEEK laminates: Influence on meso-structure and macroscopic mechanical properties under severe environmental conditions

This study was aimed at addressing the influence of stamping on the mechanical performance (tensile, in-plane shear and inter-laminar shear) of fabric reinforced thermoplastic laminates under severe conditions. The effects of processing have been discussed at different levels: influence on the micro-structure (porosity and mean free path) and meso-structure (reinforcement and matrix distribution), changes in the matrix properties as well as in the fiber/matrix interface. The obtained results and the SEM observations suggest that these changes are closely associated with the macroscopic mechanical behavior of laminates. Stamping proved to be a re-consolidation process, and the high stamping pressure promotes two primary mechanisms: re-compaction of the fiber network and migration of melted matrix. These mechanisms significantly influence the meso-structure properties (better interlaminar adhesion and fiber/matrix bonding), resulting in the improvement of the material properties.