Mechanical properties and frictional behavior of a mica-filled poly(aryl ether ketone) composite

A composite material of a poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK), which was prepared from diphenyl ether, terephthaloyl and isophthaloyl chloride, was developed using mica as a filler. Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) was employed for the purpose of improving the interfacial adhesion between mica and PAEK. Mechanical properties and surface frictional behavior of these materials were examined as a function of mica content used. With increasing content of mica in the materials, the tensile modulus increased and the ultimate elongation decreased while the tensile strength exhibited a maximum value at a particular composition. Treatment of mica by PPTA improved the interfacial adhesion between mica and PAEK as shown by improved mechanical strength, but did not affect the glass transition behavior of the polymer. Coefficient of friction and wearing rate of these materials were affected by the amount of mica used.