Fatigue strength of peek/carbon fiber laminates with copper and nickel micropowders

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of incorporating copper and nickel micropowders on the fatigue life of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) carbon fiber reinforced composites. Powders are sprayed on the surface of PEEK/carbon fiber prepregs thus leading to modification of interlayers. The fatigue behavior of these hybrid composites is analyzed under two stress levels (0.77 and 0.8 of tensile strength). The research demonstrates that addition of copper and nickel micropowders to interlayers of the PEEK composites significantly enhances their fatigue resistance.