Mechanical Properties of Poly(ether ether ketone)/Poly(ether ketone) Blends: Use of Simple Models Relating Normalized Tensile Parameters

In this study, mechanical properties such as tensile properties, flexural properties, and Izod impact strength of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and poly(ether ketone) (PEK) blends at PEK concentration from 0 to 0.42 volume fraction were studied. The blends of PEEK and PEK of different compositions were prepared by extrusion in a single-screw extruder. With increase in the PEK concentrations, the tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus increased whereas the tensile modulus and the impact strength decreased. Homogeneous dispersion and adhesion of PEK in PEEK was shown by the morphological studies. Crystallinity of blends influenced the tensile modulus and the impact strength. Using simple models to relate normalized tensile parameters where the data were divided by the crystallinity of the blends and of the PEEK matrix, respectively, supported the experimental results. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 1.17: 849-856, 2010