The morphology of poly(aryl-ether-ether-ketone)

The morphology and related properties are described for the aromatic thermoplastic poly(aryl-ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) [C6H4OC6H4OC6H4CO]n. Topics covered include crystallinity, crystallization and melting behaviour, Iamellar thickness and spherulitic structure. The data are used to derive the following material parameters T∗m = 395°C, σe = 49 erg cm−2, σs = 38 erg cm− and ΔHF = 130 kJ kg−1. PEEK is closely analogous to poly(ethylene terephthalate) in its crystallization behaviour except that the main transitions occur about 75°C higher.