Carbon-fiber reinforced PEEK polymer Composites as a Futuristic Material for Aircraft Structures

Polymer based composite materials are becoming the most useful materials for aircraft structures due to their designable advantage, specific strength, less cost, low weight, and high performance. The most widely researched polymer composites in the last few years were epoxy thermoset polymers reinforced with carbon fiber (CF) to improve the structural properties further. However, the CF reinforced epoxy polymer has some limitations related to its recyclability, manufacturing, and sensitivity to moisture which can degrade its structural properties. So, to address these limitations and replacement of epoxy polymer in aircraft structure, a thermoplastic polymer can be a perfect candidate due to its excellent mechanical properties and resistance to chemical and moisture absorption. Among the various thermoplastic polymer-based composite, poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) polymer attracting many researchers interest due to its unique properties like high strength, flexibility, high damping, resistance to weather conditions, and chemicals. These properties make PEEK composite to sustain with high dynamic loads during flight operation. This present report aims to investigate the applicability of PEEK composite and its properties for aircraft structure. The review result showed that the carbon fiber reinforced composite has provided excellent structural, weather resistance, and flame resistance, low temperature properties. Also, concluded that the CF-PEEK composite is open a new getaway toward the futuristics material for aircraft structure.