Dynamic relaxation behavior of solvent-crystallized poly(ether ether ketone)

The dynamic relaxation behavior of solvent-crystallized poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) has been investigated in the region of the glass-rubber (α) relaxation using dynamic mechanical and dielectric methods. Amorphous PEEK films were exposed to saturated methylene chloride and acetone vapor, with solvent-induced crystallization observed for both penetrants. Sample desorption at elevated temperatures (under vacuum) resulted in virtually complete removal of residual penetrant, thus providing for the measurement of relaxation characteristics independent of plasticization. Both dynamic mechanical and dielectric studies indicated a marked positive offset in the isochronal relaxation temperatures of the solvent-crystallized samples relative to thermally crystallized specimens of comparable bulk crystallinity, and a higher apparent activation energy in the solvent-crystallized case. These results are consistent with the evolution of a tighter crystalline morphology (i.e., smaller crystal long spacing) in the solvent-crystallized samples, the crystallites imposing a greater degree of constraint on the long-range motions of the amorphous chains inherent to the glass-rubber relaxation. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The effect of ions irradiation on the thermal properties of poly(ether ether ketone)

The effect of irradiating amorphous poly (ether ether ketone), PEEK, with ions, 11 MeV proton (H⁺), and 25.6 MeV helium (He²⁺), has been investigated focusing on the changes in thermal properties. The extent of chain scission and crosslinking was evaluated using the Charlesby‐Pinner equation. Crosslinking increased the glass transition temperature (T_g) in line with the DiBenedetto equation from which the crosslinking constant for each ion was calculated. The effect of irradiation on the thermal degradation kinetics was studied in an argon atmosphere at a constant heating rate by mean of the Chang and the second Kissinger methods. Irradiation significantly reduced the thermal stability of the polymer and its service lifetime. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2212–2221, 2008     

Analysis of crystallization kinetics of poly(ether ether ketone)

An optical microscope equipped with a video photograph system was used to follow the growth of spherulites. Under nitrogen atmosphere, the growth rates at 290 and 300°C suggest that when the melt of PEEK has been equilibrated for 15 min at 400°C, the subsequent crystallization behavior was nearly independent of the prior thermal history. Linear growth rates of crystallization of PEEK have been measuredin the temperature range of 260–325°C for melt-pressed films and solvent cast films. Detailed kinetic analysis indicated that PEEK exhibited an unmistakable regime II → III transition at 296 ± 1°C. The II → III transition was clearly present irrespective of the rather drastic changes in U*. It is interesting that the branching and crosslinking retarded the growth rate of PEEK, but a transition from regime II to regime III still existed. For melt-pressed films after equilibration at 400°C for 15 min, values of σ and q suggest that U* should be taken nearer to 1500 cal/mol in the case of T_∞ = T_g − 30 K and 2000 cal/mol in the case of T_∞ = T_g − 51.6 K. The K_g(III)/K_g(II) ratio (1.32) was not as close to the predicted value of 2 as was Hoffman's ratio. For PEEK, the Thomas-Staveley constant (β) should be closer to 0.25 or 0.3 instead of 0.1. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1335–1348, 1998     

Effect of shear on the crystallization of the poly(ether ether ketone)

The effect of shear on the crystallization behavior of the poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) has been investigated by means of ex situ wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The changes of the intensity of WAXD patterns along shear direction of the PEEK induced by short‐term shear were observed when the samples crystallized at 330 °C. The results showed that the dimensions of the crystallites perpendicular to the (110) and (111) planes reduced with the increase of shear rate, whereas the dimensions of the crystallites perpendicular to (200) plane increased with the increase of shear rate. Moreover, increasing shear rate can lead to the increase of the crystallinity as well as the average thickness of the crystalline layers. Correspondingly, a new melting peak at higher temperature was found during the subsequent DSC scanning when the shear rate was increased to 30 s^?1. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 220–225, 2010     

Functionalization of poly (aryl ether ether ketone): Synthesis of bromomethylated PEEK and its functionalization

Bromomethyl poly (aryl ether ether ketone) has been prepared from methyl poly (aryl ether ether ketone) (MePEEK) and has been used as the precursor to many forms of functionalized PEEK. MePEEK was brominated directly with bromine. Bromination takes place exclusively at the methyl group. The reaction conditions for bromination have been studied. The bromination level can be controlled by the amount of bromine used, up to 90% of the methyl groups can be brominated to mono-bromo and di-bromo methyl PEEK. Modification reactions have been carried out on the brominated methyl PEEK. The bromomethyl group has been converted to different functional groups, such as ? CH₂OH, ? CH₂OCH₃, ? COOCH₃, ? CH₂CN, ? CH₂COOH ? CH₂OCOCH₃, ? CH₂N⁺H (CH₂CH₃)₂Br^?, ? CH₂N (CH₂CH₃)₂, ? CH₂N⁺ (CH₂CH₃)₃ Br^?. Published 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis of copolymers of poly(ether sulfone ether ketone ketone) and poly(ether ketone diphenyl ketone ether ketone ketone) by electrophilic Friedel–Crafts solution polycondensation

A new monomer, 4,4′‐bis(4‐phenoxybenzoyl)diphenyl(BPOBDP), was synthesized via a two‐step synthetic procedure. A series of novel poly(ether sulfone ether ketone ketone)/poly(ether ketone diphenyl ketone ether ketone ketone) copolymers were prepared by electrophilic Friedel–Crafts solution copolycondensation of isophthaloyl chloride (IPC) with a mixture of 4,4′‐diphenoxydiphenylsulfone (DPODPS) and 4,4′‐bis(4‐phenoxybenzoyl)diphenyl (BPOBDP), in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride and N‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP) in 1,2‐dichloroethane (DCE). The copolymers with 10–50 mol% DPODPS are semicrystalline and have remarkably increased T_gs over commercially available PEEK and PEKK. The copolymers with 40–50 mol% DPODPS had not only high T_gs of 170–172°C, but also moderate T_ms of 326–333°C, which are extremely suitable for melt processing. These copolymers have tensile strengths of 96.5–108.1 MPa, Young's moduli of 1.98–3.05 GPa, and elongations at break of 13–26% and exhibit excellent thermal stability and good resistance to acidity, alkali, and common organic solvents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and properties of poly(aryl ether ether ketone) copolymers with pendant methyl groups

Polyether ether ketone and polyether ether ketone copolymers were prepared by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone with hydroquinone and with varying mole proportions of hydroquinone and methyl hydroquinone using sulfolane solvent in the presence of anhydrous K₂CO₃. The polymers were characterised by different physico-chemical techniques. The crystallinity of the polymers was found to decrease with increase in concentration of the methyl hydroquinone units in the polymer. Thermogravimetric studies showed that all the polymers were stable upto 430 °C with a char yield above 49% at 900 °C in N₂ atmosphere. The glass transition temperature was found to increase and the crystalline melting temperature and activation energy were found to decrease with increase in concentration of the methyl hydroquinone units in the polymer.     

Melting behavior of poly(ether ether ketone) in its blends with poly(ether imide)

We detail the melting behavior of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and investigate its melting behavior in miscible blends with poly(ether imide) (PEI). The determination of the equilibrium melting point (T_m⁰) of PEEK is discussed by considering its inhomogeneous morphology. T_m⁰ is obtained by a long extrapolation of a Hoffman–Weeks plot to 384°C. Hindrance of PEEK crystal reorganization induced by PEI during heating is observed over the blend composition investigated (20–75 wt % PEEK). This behavior is correlated with the incorporation of PEI in the interlamellar zones of PEEK crystals. The interaction parameter χ of PEEK/PEI blends is estimated by the equilibrium melting point depression. This gives the interaction density B = ?1.2 cal/cm³, and x = ?0.40 at 400°C. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Analysis of crystallization kinetics of poly(ether ether ketone) by a nonisothermal method

During cooling at a rate of 10°C/min from the melt state of PEEK we have followed the growth of spherulites using an optical microscope equipped with a camera. The isothermal growth rates of crystallization in the temperature range of 266–308°C could be estimated by means of a differential equation. These continuous growth rate data were used further for kinetic analysis, which indicated that PEEK exhibited an unmistakable regime II → III transition at 296°C. The results compared favorably with those obtained by the traditional isothermal method, which is time consuming. Due to chain folding, the Thomas–Staveley constant should be closer to 0.25 instead of 0.1 or 0.3. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. B Polym. Phys. 36: 2393–2399, 1998     

Physical background of the endurance limit in poly(ether ether ketone)

In this study, it is demonstrated that the apparent endurance (fatigue) limit for plasticity-controlled failure in poly(ether ether ketone) is related to an evolution of the yield stress. The increase of the yield stress has two separate causes: (a) stress- and temperature-accelerated physical aging of the amorphous phase and (b) strain hardening as a result of texture development. Yield stress evolution is monitored using thermomechanical treatments during which the material is exposed to temperature and load. The combined contributions of both temperature and applied stress to yield stress evolution (below T _g) can be effectively modeled using an effective time approach employing an Arrhenius temperature-activation as well as Eyring stress activation. Combination of the yield stress evolution with a previously developed model for plasticity-controlled failure allows prediction of time-to-failure under both static and cyclic load, quantitatively capturing the observed apparent endurance limit.     

Mechanism of thermal decomposition of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) from a review of decomposition studies

A review of the literature on the flammability and decomposition of poly(oxy-1,4-phenyleneoxy-1,4-phenylenecarbonyl-1,4-phenylene) (PEEK) is presented. This paper provides an overview of the flammability of PEEK and its decomposition mechanisms. Based on this literature, mechanisms have been suggested which attempt to explain the products formed at each stage of PEEK decomposition and indicate the intermediates which should be formed at each of these stages.     

Thermal stability and nonisothermal crystallization of short fiber-reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) composites

The thermal stability of a short carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK composite was assessed by thermogravimetry and by a Rheometrics dynamic analyzer. The results indicated that holding for 10 min at 380°C was a suitable melting condition to avoid the thermooxidative degradation under air. After proving that the heating rate of 50°C/min can be used to evaluate the crystallinity, a heating stage was used to prepare nonisothermally crystallized specimens using cooling rates from 1 to 100°C/min after melting at 400°C for 3 or 15 min. The degree of crystallinity and the melting behavior of these specimens were investigated by DSC at a heating rate of 50°C/min. The presence of three or four regions indicated that the upper melting temperature, T_m, changed with the crystallization temperature. The first region with the highest T_m, which corresponded to the cooling rate of 1°C/min, can be associated with the crystallization in regime II. There was a second region where T_m decreased as the amount of crystals formed in regime II decreased with increasing cooling rate from 5 to 20°C/min. The third region, a plateau region, corresponded to regime III condition in which the crystals were imperfect. In the fourth region, the cooling was so fast that crystallization was incomplete during the cooling for the melting condition of 400°C for 15 min. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. B Polym. Phys. 36: 2225–2235, 1998     

Surface Plasticization of Poly(ether ether ketone)

This paper describes a study of the surface plasticization and antiplasticization of an amorphous and a semicrystalline poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) in solvent environments using nanohardness method. A range of solvents (octane, chloroform, tetrachloroethane, acetone, dichlorobenzene, polyethyleneglycol (PEG), methanol and water) based on the Hilderbrand’s Solubility Parameter were selected as solvent environments. The results of the nanoindentation hardness experiments performed on the virgin and the solvent immersed polymeric surfaces are reported. The surface plasticization or antiplasticization is reported on the basis of the softening or the hardening of the near surface layers (?1 μm) after immersion of the polymeric surfaces in the solvent environments. Surface plasticization of the amorphous PEEK has been observed in organic solvents. The chlorine containing solvents have severely degraded the hardness of the amorphous polymer. A surface hardening of the amorphous PEEK has been observed after immersion in water. Semicrystalline PEEK was seen to exhibit a considerable inert behaviour to common organic solvents but chlorinated organic solvents and water have caused a decrease in the surface mechanical properties.     

Surface modification of poly(aryl ether ether ketone) (PEEK) film by covalent coupling of amines and amino acids through a spacer arm

Using the wet-chemistry technique, we selectively reduced the surface of the PEEK film (PEEK-OH), and covalently fixed hexamethylene diisocyanate by addition onto the hydroxyl functions. The resulting PEEK-NCO film displayed free isocyanate termini, the basic hydrolysis of which gave the PEEK-NH₂ film in 85% extent of derivatization. The PEEK-NCO film reacted with trifluoroethylamine in toluene, trifluoroethylamine in PBS buffer, GABA, and lysine in PBS buffer to furnish, respectively, the PEEK-CF₃(A), PEEK-CF₃(B), PEEK-CO₂H, and PEEK(NH₂)CO₂H films in 80%, 45%, 30%, and 25% extents of derivatization, as determined from the F/C and N/C atomic ratios recorded in the corresponding XPS spectra. The surface reactivity of the PEEK-NH₂ and PEEK-NCO films was assayed by coupling with appropriate ³H labels followed by liquid scintillation counting of the sample-associated radioactivity. The PEEK-NH₂, PEEK-CO₂H, and PEEK-(NH₂)CO₂H films were used as substrates for the cultivation of CaCo₂ epithelial cells; the presence of surface amine and carboxyl functions significantly improves the cellular adhesion and growth. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 3779–3790, 1997     

Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/polyaniline composite proton-exchange membrane

Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) was prepared by sulfonation of commercial Victrex^@ PEEK and degree of sulfonation was found to be about 44.5% by ¹H NMR. Sulfonated PEEK/polyaniline composite membranes, in order to prevent methanol crossover, were prepared by chemical polymerization of a thin layer of polyaniline (PANI) in the presence of a high oxidant concentration on a single face modification. FTIR and PANI coating density studies confirmed the loading of PANI in sulfonated PEEK membrane matrix. PANI composite membranes with different polymerization time were prepared and subjected to thermogravimetric analysis as well as electrochemical and methanol permeability study to compare with sulfonated PEEK and Nafion 117 membrane. Ion-exchange capacity, water uptake, proton transport numbers and proton conductivities for different PANI composite sulfonated PEEK (SPEEK) membranes were found to be dependent on the coating density of the PANI in the membrane matrix and were slightly lower than that of Nafion 117 membrane. Methanol permeability of these membranes (especially SPEEK/PANI-1.5) was about four times lower than Nafion 117 membrane. Among the all SPEEK membranes synthesized in this study, SPEEK-1.5 appears to be more suitable for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) application considering optimum physicochemical and electrochemical properties, thermal stability as well as very low methanol permeability. Above all, the cost-effective and simple fabrication technique involved in the synthesis of such composite membranes makes their applicability quite attractive.     

Structural study on poly(ether ether ketone ketone)-poly(ether biphenyl ether ketone ketone) copolymers

Structures of poly(ether ether ketone ketone)-poly(ether biphenyl ether ketone ketone) copolymers were studied by using small angle X-ray scattering and the one-dimensional electron density correlation function method. The results revealed that structures of the aggregated state of the copolymers depend closely on the biphenyl content (n_b). When n_b = 0.35, invariant Q, long period L, average thickness of crystal lamellae d̄, electron density difference η_c − η_a and degree of crystallinity W_{c, x} assume minimum values.     

Preferential sorption and permeation of binary liquid mixtures in poly (vinyl chloride) membrane by pervaporation

Preferential sorptions and pervaporation selectivities in poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane for various binary liquid mixtures were investigated. Methanol/n-propanol, benzene/n-hexane, and ethanol/water mixtures were selected as the binary liquid mixture. In the methanol/n-propanol mixture, methanol was preferentially sorbed in the PVC membrane and predominantly permeated. In the benzene/n-hexane mixture, benzene was incorporated and permeated preferentially. In the ethanol/water mixture, ethanol was preferentially sorbed in the PVC membrane and water was preferentially permeated. The preferential sorptions were analyzed according to Mulder's model derived from Flory-Huggins thermodynamics. The pervaporation selectivity in these systems were discussed using a sorption selectivity and diffusion selectivity. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Hybrid proton exchange membranes based on sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) and zirconium hydrogen phosphate

Sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone)s (SPPEKs) and zirconium hydrogen phosphate (ZrP) hybrid membranes for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) were prepared by the impregnation method and direct blending method. The physicochemical properties of these hybrid membranes were studied by means of field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FSEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). For the hybrid membranes prepared from impregnation procedure, the highest proton conductivity could reach 0.074 S/cm at 80°C under 100% relative humidity and the methanol permeability at room temperature is more than 10 times lower than that of Nafion 117. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.