Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol.36, No.16, 2119-2128, 1996
Crystallization Behavior and Mechanical-Properties of Poly(Aryl Ether Ether Ketone) Poly(Ether Imide) Blends
Crystallinity and mechanical properties of blends with different amounts of semicrystalline poly(aryl/ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and amorphous poly(ether imide) (PEI) polymers have been studied. The blends, prepared by melt mixing, have been investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) to analyze the miscibility between the components and the final crystalline content. Moreover, for the 20/80 PEEK/PEI blend, crystallization in dynamic and isothermal conditions has been carefully investigated in order to find proper conditions for maximum development of crystallinity. Mechanical tests (static and dynamic) have been performed to evaluate the properties of the as molded and crystallized blends and to compare them with those of crystalline PEEK and amorphous PEI neat resins. Finally, a few SEM observations have been performed to compare the fractured surface of the blend with those of the pure constituents.