Publication

Abstract : In the present study the properties of carbon fiber reinforced poly ether ketone (PEK) is compared with carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (EP) composite fabricated by compression moulding technique. PEK carbon fiber (PK-CF) composites are prepared by film stacking method whereas the epoxy carbon fiber (EP-CF) composites are prepared by conventional compression moulding route maintaining a constant 60wt% carbon fiber. The tensile properties analysis indicated that PK-CF composite possesses a tensile strength of 425MPa which was much higher than 311MPa recorded by EP-CF. The stress intensity factor (KIC) values of PK-CF composites are found to be 10% higher than EP-CF counterparts. It is seen that the PK-CF composites possess higher glass transition temperature enabling them to be used at elevated temperatures. The investigation of flame retardant behaviour of the composite is conducted by Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) test, and highest value is obtained for PK-CF composite.