Recycling effects on microstructure and mechanical behaviour of PEEK short carbon-fibre composites

The effect of recycling on microstructure and mechanical properties has been evaluated for injection-moulded poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) composites reinforced with 10% and 30% short carbon fibres. Microstructure characterization was carried out by determining fibre length distributions, PEEK molecular weight, and by SEM observations of fracture surfaces before and after processing. These studies reveal degradation of fibres and matrix during recycling. Tensile Youngs modulus and strength, as well as impact strength reductions are presented for recycled composites.