High Temperature Thermal Stability of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Matrix Composite with Graphite Flakes and PTFE Particles

Abstract

A comprehensive study was conducted on high-temperature thermal stability of a multifunctional injection-molded polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)-matrix composite containing random short carbon fibers (CFs), graphite flakes (Gr), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles. Specimen were heated to 98–200°C for up to 48 h and examined for oxidative-reaction-induced changes. Thermal stability on morphology and chemical composition of the thermoplastic composite is first investigated, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Negligible changes are found in the composite glass transition temperature, crystallinity, and melting temperature after up to 48 h of high-temperature exposure. The study further finds no change in the composite microstructure and chemical composition, under sustained high-temperature exposure. Therefore, results obtained in the study with DSC, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and XRD indicate that the CF/Gr/PTFE/PPS composite remains thermally stable in high-temperature environment.