Study of the crystallinity degree effect on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic composites with aeronautical application

The crystallization degree of semi-crystalline thermoplastics plays an important role in determining the final properties of structural composite materials, e.g. toughness and stiffness, and their weather resistance. The main purpose of this work is to study different induced crystallinity degrees in CF/PEEK and CF/PPS composites processed by hot compression molding at three different cooling rates. In this study, the morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the processed laminates were investigated and compared. As well as their resistance to humididy, salinity and ultraviolet radiation. The results showed an increase in mechanical strength for the composites processed with lower cooling rates. Evidences of fiber/matrix interface improvement and crystallites nucleation on the fiber surface were also identified. The composites with higher crystalline degree showed to be more resistant to humidity and salinity. However, those with lower crystalline degree were more resistant to the effects of the ultraviolet radiation (AU)