Characterisation of graphene modified carbon fibre reinforced poly-ther-ether-ketone (PEEK) substrates and examination of the mechanical enhancements

Abstract

Thermoplastic (TP) materials are of increasing use in high performance composite applications. When manufactured from pre-preg form into a laminate structure, these composites exhibit the properties of high-strength and high-stiffness. Further improvements in the mechanical properties of these materials is very desirable, since this could result in weight reductions and strength optimizations for products using TP composites. Graphene is a nanomaterial which is well-known for its exceptionally high strength to weight ratio and Young's Modulus. This paper will discuss the process of coating and characterising graphene coated carbon fibre-PEEK composite substrates. Additionally, the mechanical properties of graphene reinforced carbon-fibre PEEK composites manufactured using a heat press will be examined. The graphene particles were deposited from an aqueous based suspension onto the carbon fibre-PEEK pre-preg fibre tapes by way of a spray coating procedure. Typically, the tapes were plasma treated to increase the surface energy (improve wetting of the suspension) prior to deposition of the graphene. The coating was characterised using scanning probe microscopy. The enhancement of mechanical properties due to the presence of graphene on the fibre pre-preg will be discussed.