EXTREME ENVIRONMENTAL RESISTANCE OF PEEK MATRIX

The sorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms of water, methylene ch loride, n-heptane and methylene chloride/n-heptane mixtures in glassy amorphous poly(aryl-ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) have been investigated. Ideal Fickian diffusion, anomalous non-ideal Fickian diffusion, ''Cas e II'' sorption mechanism, and diffusion controlled swelling were obse rved depending on temperature, solvent type, and external solvent acti vity. Gas-chromatographic analysis performed on PEEK samples contacted with methylene chloride/n-heptane mixtures indicated that the presenc e of methylene chloride enhances n-heptane mobility and equilibrium so rbed amount.