Enhanced glass fiber-reinforced phenolphthalein poly(ether ketone) composites by blending poly(phenylene sulfide)

The mechanical properties of glass fiber-reinforced phenolphthalein poly(ether ketone)/poly(phenylene sulfide) (PEK-C/PPS) composites have been studied. The morphologies of fracture surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscope. Blending a semicrystalline component, PPS, can improve markedly the mechanical properties of glass fiber-reinforced PEK-C composites. These results can be attributed to the improvement of fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion and higher fiber aspect ratio. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.