Abstract: The present invention relates to poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) polymers, a method for the manufacture thereof, to articles and composites made therefrom, to methods of making the composites, and composite articles including the PEKK composites. It was surprisingly discovered that by synthesizing the PEKK polymers from low-metal monomers and selectively controlling the relative amounts of reactants during the synthesis, PEKK polymers having unexpectedly improved melt stability can be obtained. The PEKK composites including the PEKK polymers are especially well-suited for fabrication of thick composite parts where melt stability of the polymer matrix is important.

Abstract: Poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) composites include reinforcing fibers in a PEKK polymer matrix that includes a PEKK polymer. It was surprisingly discovered that by washing unneutralized PEKK polymer powder with an acid or base, the melt stability of the PEKK polymers can be improved, as compared with PEKK polymers prepared by conventional methods. The PEKK composites are especially well-suited for fabrication of thick composite parts where melt stability is especially important.

Abstract: The present invention relates to poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) polymers, a method for the manufacture thereof, to articles and composites made therefrom, to methods of making the composites, and composite articles including the PEKK composites. It was surprisingly discovered that by synthesizing the PEKK polymers from low-metal monomers and selectively controlling the relative amounts of reactants during the synthesis, PEKK polymers having unexpectedly improved melt stability can be obtained. The PEKK composites including the PEKK polymers are especially well-suited for fabrication of thick composite parts where melt stability of the polymer matrix is important.