Abstract: A process to form a fiber-reinforced composite having a continuous thermoplastic matrix of poly(arylene sulfide ketone) resins is provided. The composite is useful to form shaped articles with high temperature resistance. The composite can be prepared by consolidating under heating a multi-layer stack of resin sheets and fiber reinforcement sheets. The poly(arylene sulfide ketone) resins can be melt-stabilized through treatment with a water-soluble salt of an alkaline earth metal. The composite has excellent thermal properties such as heat distortion temperature.

Abstract: A process and product produced therefrom for preparing a melt stable, high molecular weight poly(arylene sulfide ketone) from the addition of water to a reaction mixture containing a polyhalobenzophenone and an alkali metal sulfide. The water being present in a molar ratio of about 4.5:1 to about 8:1 with respect to the alkali metal sulfide.

Abstract: A process to form a fiber-reinforced prepreg and shaped objects having a continuous thermoplastic matrix of poly(arylene sulfide ketone) resins is provided. The prepreg is useful to form composites with high temperature resistance. The prepreg is prepared by pultrusion of resin-impregnated fiber reinforcement through a shaped die. The reinforcement can be impregnated from a liquid slurry or resin particles and a wetting agent.

Abstract: A method for producing poly(arylene sulfide) of high molecular weight by subjecting to polymerization conditions a reaction mixture of alkaline metal hydroxide, halothiophenol and organic amide with a molar ratio of alkaline metal hydroxide to halothiophenol in a range of about 1.6 to about 3.2.