Mechanical recyclability of an industrial poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK): Performance evaluation and process optimization
摘要
This study investigated the recyclability potential of an industrial poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK). The research aims to evaluate the effects of mechanical reprocessing on PEEK’s structure, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties, with a particular focus on PEEK pelletizing as a process optimization technique. Thermal and spectroscopic analyses (FTIR and DSC) indicated that the first reprocessing cycle induces polymer chain scission, while subsequent cycles promote the formation of branching and/or partial cross-linking structures, slightly reducing the degree of crystallinity and increasing the crystallization temperature. Melt Flow Index (MFI) measurements suggest no major change in flow behavior under the tested conditions. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicated an increase in glass transition temperature after recycling, consistent with reduced molecular mobility due to cross-linking. Mechanical testing demonstrated that after two recycling cycles, a moderate decrease in tensile modulus and impact strength occurs, although the overall changes remained moderate. Interestingly, the regranulated PEEK sample exhibited improved flexural stiffness, while maintaining good processability. Overall, the results suggest that PEEK can be reprocessed through multiple recycling cycles and that pelletizing helps ensure stable manufacturing without significant loss of performance under the investigated conditions, supporting its potential for industrial reuse under the investigated conditions.