Amorphous PEKK Fiber Sizing for High-Temperature Resin Adhesion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sizing compositions for fibers, particularly those used in engineering thermoplastics, face challenges with adhesion to polymeric resin matrices, leading to poor compatibility and stability at high processing temperatures, which limits the realization of improved properties in fiber-reinforced composites.

Innovation Solution

A coating of amorphous polyetherketoneketone is applied to fibers, enhancing compatibility and adhesion with polymeric matrices by forming a thin, stable film that improves mechanical properties and processability, particularly with crystalline and high-temperature thermoplastics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional sizing compositions are used on fibers, then processability and handling are improved, but adhesion to polymeric resin matrices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprocessabilityVSAvoidadhesion to polymeric resin
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies an amorphous PEKK sizing composition as an intermediary layer between the fiber surface and the polymeric resin matrix. This sizing composition contains reactive groups that can bond to both the fiber surface and the matrix polymer, acting as a chemical bridge to improve interfacial adhesion while maintaining processability during composite manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If sizing compositions are applied to improve compatibility with thermoplastics, then adhesion improves, but stability at high processing temperatures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidstability at high processing temperatures
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects amorphous PEKK with specific thermal and rheological parameters that allow it to remain stable at high processing temperatures (typically 200-400°C) while maintaining adequate adhesion. The amorphous structure and molecular weight are optimized to prevent degradation and maintain viscosity control during high-temperature composite processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sizing composition is formulated as a composite system combining amorphous PEKK with complementary additives and modifiers that enhance both adhesion properties and thermal stability. This multi-component formulation allows simultaneous optimization of low-temperature bonding and high-temperature performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The amorphous polyetherketoneketone coating improves interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites, resulting in higher tensile strength, resistance to crack initiation, and chemical resistance, while maintaining stability at elevated temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

The amorphous polyetherketoneketone coating improves interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2393856B1Fibers sized with polyetherketoneketones
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 ARKEMA INC
  • EP2393856B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Fibers sized with a coating of amorphous polyetherketoneketone are useful in the preparation of reinforced polymers having improved properties, wherein the amorphous polyetherketoneketone can improve the compatibility of the fibers with the polymeric matrix.