The mechanical performance and impact behaviour of carbon-fibre reinforced PEEK

The mechanical performance and impact behaviour of carbon-fibre reinforced polyether-ether ketone (PEEK) with a (0, ±45) lay-up has been compared with that of a similar carbon fibre/epoxy laminate. Differences occurred because of the greater shear strength and lower shear modulus of the carbon-fibre reinforced PEEK. When compared with the carbon fibre/epoxy laminate, carbon-fibre reinforced PEEK was more notch sensitive in tension and had a lower undamaged compressive strength. However, after impact, the residual compressive strength was significantly greater for carbon-fibre reinforced PEEK because delamination was less extensive.