Processing of PEEK/PEI blends for high performance composites in aerospace

A new approach has been considered for aeronautical composite structures with thermoplastic matrix. The new concept is based on the addition of amorphous PEI films to a semicrystalline thermoplastic PEEK/Carbon Fiber prepreg. The performed chemical-physical analysis demonstrates the good blending between the two resins. The new approach, being presently developed in a project funded by EU, could allow to perform structural parts with affordable costs through the utilization of automated lay-up (ATL and/or AFP) techniques, with a strong cost saving due to the elimination of the autoclave cycle.