Study on the forming process and electron beam irradiation treatment of a thermoplastic controllable crosslinking poly (aryl ether ketone) matrix composites

The forming process of a thermoplastic Controllable Crosslinking Poly (Aryl Ether Ketone) (CCPAEK) matrix composite was reported in this paper. The temperature and press program of the thermal forming process was confirmed through determining Melt Index (MI) of the CCPAEK at different temperatures. The electron beam (EB) irradiation character of the CCPAEK matrix was studied and the thermoplastic composite specimens were EB irradiated at a certain dosage. The influences of EB irradiation on the structure and properties of the composites were studied. The glass transition temperatures (T_g) of the irradiated couples were found enhanced limitedly by means of Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA). The flexural strength of EB-treated specimen increased while the flexural module and the short beam shear strength changed unobviously. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed that the irradiation had almost no influence on the interfacial structures of the composites.