PEEK composites reinforced with zirconia nanofiller

The present investigation deals with the preparation and characterization of nanocomposites of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) containing nanosized zirconia filler up to 3 wt.% loading. It has been observed that presence of zirconia filler dispersed in polymer matrix enhances various basic and functional properties (e.g., mechanical properties, thermal stability & other physico-mechanical properties). The SEM studies reveal that the dispersion of zirconia nanofiller is uniform throughout the polymer matrix. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites has been studied by TGA. Thermal analysis of the composites shows an increase in the thermal stability with increase of nanofiller content. This may be attributed to strong interaction between polymer chains and filler particles. DMA studies show the significant improvement in storage modulus of the nanocomposites because of better interaction of zirconia particles in PEEK matrix. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.