Machinability Evaluation in Unreinforced and Reinforced PEEK Composites using Response Surface Models

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite belongs to a group of high performance thermoplastic polymers and is widely used in structural components. In order to improve mechanical and tribological properties, short fibers are added to unreinforced thermoplastics. Both unreinforced and reinforced PEEK composites find potential applications in manufacturing processes due to high specific properties and hence it is necessary to investigate the machining performance. This paper presents the application of response surface methodology (RSM)-based approach to study the machinability aspects of unreinforced PEEK, reinforced PEEK with 30% of carbon fibers (PEEK CF30) and 30 % of glass fibers (PEEK GF30) composites with cemented carbide (K10) tool machining. The experiments are planned as per full