Effect of poly ether ether ketone particles on v‐notched shear and drop weight impact behavior of carbon/epoxy composite

Due to the intrinsic brittleness, low velocity impact (LVI) causes internal invisible damages that drastically degrade the structural qualities of carbon/epoxy composites. The addition of pre‐formed immiscible thermoplastic filler in thermoset matrix offers various advantages over miscible phase separated thermoplastic filler. In this work, poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) micro particles were used to improve the toughness of the carbon/epoxy composite. Mechanical stirring was used to disperse the particles. Composite was fabricated using hand lay‐up process followed by compression molding. The effect of PEEK particles was assessed using in‐plane v‐notched rail shear characteristics, drop weight impact, and compression after impact strength. The addition of PEEK particles significantly improved the in‐plane shear strength and damage tolerance of the carbon/epoxy composite, according to the results.