Effect of aluminum nitride on thermomechanical properties of high performance PEEK

High performance polymer matrix composites based on poly(ether–ether–ketone) (PEEK) as matrix and aluminum nitride particle (AlNp) as filler were prepared. The effect of AlNp on the storage modulus, loss modulus, mechanical loss factor, and glass transition were investigated. The AlNp reinforcement is more pronounced above glass transition temperature (Tg). Composite containing 70 wt.% AlNp exhibit about 100% increase in storage modulus at 50 °C and about 500% increase at 250 °C, and 19 °C increase in glass transition temperature as compared to pure PEEK. Peak height of tan δ for composites was decreased to one sixth of the pure PEEK. It is probably due to improved crystallinity of PEEK and strong interaction between the AlNp and PEEK matrix. SEM reveals excellent distribution of AlNp in PEEK matrix and good interaction between AlNp and PEEK matrix.