In situ determination of mechanical properties for poly(ether ether ketone) film under extreme conditions

Abstract

The mechanical properties of special engineering plastic have been intensively studied in recent years. However, there are few studies on the mechanical variation under extreme conditions. In this study, we chose poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) to study its mechanical behavior under high temperature and high pressure using Brillouin scattering coupled with an electrical resistance heating technique and diamond anvil cell device. The isothermal compressibility and pressure dependence of the mechanical moduli of PEEK film were examined and determined. A typical negative thermal expansion phenomenon was observed under high temperature and high pressure, which has been explained and discussed by virtue of free volume theory. Comprehensive investigation of elastic properties as a function of pressure not only provides an effective way to understand the mechanical behavior of PEEK under high temperature and high pressure, but also supplies an available theoretical direction for their practical application under extreme conditions.