Thermal stability and compatibility of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with an oxidizer and pyrotechnic blend

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a relatively new high temperature engineering thermoplastic. The stability of neat and fiberglass reinforced PEEK towards air, KClO₄, and TiH_1.65/KClO₄ blend was studied by the surface sensitive technique of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and bulk technique of thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Both of these examinations revealed no oxidation in the presence of air or KClO₄ at temperatures of 60 or 120°C. In addition, no reduction of PEEK was observed in the presence of a reducing agent such as TiH_1.65. The TG results also showed no air oxidation between 120 and 500°C.