The effects of temperature variation on mechanical behaviors of polyetheretherketone‐based fiber metal laminates

In this study, the effects of temperature variation on the mechanical behaviors of the polyetheretherketone‐based fiber metal laminates (PFMLs) were investigated to explore their temperature resistance capability. Tensile strength and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of PFMLs were assessed at various temperatures including room temperature, 120°C, 170°C, and 220°C, respectively. The results indicated that tensile strength and ILSS decreased by 52% and 60% when tested at 220°C. Moreover, thermal fatigue was performed ranging from −65°C to 135°C for 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 cycles. Following thermal fatigue, tensile and ILSS properties were tested at room temperature. The results did not show any significant difference, indicating that the thermal fatigue did not affect the mechanical properties of PFMLs. The effective mechanism of the temperature variation was analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements, and residual stresses analysis, respectively. Furthermore, thermal shock for up to 1,000 cycles at the temperature ranging from room temperature to 220°C did not cause any visible delamination or damage. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1447–1454, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers