The effects of solvent sorption on the properties of poly(ether ether ketone)

A study has been carried out on the sorption of ortho-dichlorobenzene, N,N-dimethylformamide and water by poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK). Two types of PEEK samples have been analysed; the first in the amorphous state and the second with a high crystallinity level. The sorption and desorption curves have been determined and the effect of the solvent presence on the mechanical properties has been analysed by means of the tensile test. PEEK is affected to a different extent by the solvents studied and also by the crystallinity of the polymer. Sorption takes place only in the case of amorphous PEEK. Its effect on the mechanical properties of PEEK is explained on the basis of the two concomitant processes that are the consequence of sorption, these are: plasticization and induced crystallization.