Semi-crystalline PEKK thermoplastic matrix used in advanced polymeric composites have received a lot of interest for aerospace application in the last years. The higher glass transition temperature, high strength and stiffness, low moisture absorption, excellent environmental resistance combined with its low density make PEKK an attractive option for a variety of applications in aerospace and aeronautical field. The aim of the present work is to analyze the influence of the thermal and rheological parameters of PEKK using the techniques Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and rheology, in the definition of processing thermal cycle to be utilized with the hot compression molding of thermoplastic composites. The results obtained from the thermal and rheological analyses showed that PEKK has an attractive balance of properties, such as a high transition temperature (Tg = 153-156 °C) and of being able to be processed at a moderate temperature, between the melting (310-325 °C) and degradation (352-366 °C) temperatures, mainly when compared with other polymers, including PEEK (polyether ether ketone), PEI (Polyetherimide) and PPS (polyphenylene sulfide). From these results, it was possible to establish appropriate thermal and rheological parameters to be used in hot compression molding of advanced polymeric laminates.
PEKK; advanced thermoplastic composites; thermal analyses; rheological analyses; processing
