Crystallization kinetics behavior of PEEK based composites exposed to high heating and cooling rates

The crystallization kinetics of PEEK based composites has been studied extensively under isothermal conditions. Little work has been carried out to date on crystal growth behavior under highly non-isothermal conditions. This paper uses a crystallization kinetics growth and melting model to predict crystal growth and melting under highly non-isothermal conditions characteristic of in-situ lamination methods such as Automated Tow Placement, pultrusion and induction bonding. A single ply experiment was developed to validate these models using the actual thermal data acquired during experiments. Good agreement is obtained between model predictions and experimental results for heating rates in excess of 700 degreesC/s and cooling rates up to 150 degreesC/s. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.