Aqueous dispersion prepregging offers a relatively new alternative for
processing graphite fiber reinforced, polymer matrix composites. This
method, however, requires the matrix resin to be in the form of small
particles in a stable aqueous suspension. This paper describes the de
velopment of a high-performance suspension stabilizer, poly(pyridine e
ther-co-ether ether ketimine). Acid hydrolysis of poly(pyridine ether-
co-ether ether ketimine) to poly(pyridine ether-co-ether ether ketone)
also results in protonation of the pyridine moiety. Therefore, the po
lymer can function as an electrostatic stabilizer. This general proces
s can be used to form self-stabilizing particles of the pyridine-conta
ining copolymer or for developing stable aqueous suspensions of prefor
med poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) particles.