Mechanical properties and frictional behavior of a mica-filled poly(aryl ether ketone) composite

A composite material of a poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK), which was prepare d from diphenyl ether, terephthaloyl and isophthaloyl chloride, was develop ed using mica as a filler. Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) was emp loyed for the purpose of improving the interfacial adhesion between mica an d PAEK. Mechanical properties and surface frictional behavior of these mate rials were examined as a function of mica content used. With increasing con tent of mica in the materials, the tensile modulus increased and the ultima te elongation decreased while the tensile strength exhibited a maximum valu e at a particular composition. Treatment of mica by PPTA improved the inter facial adhesion between mica acid PAEK as shown by improved mechanical stre ngth, but did not affect the glass transition behavior of the polymer. Coef ficient of friction and wearing rate of these materials were affected by th e amount of mica used. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.