Theoretical and Experimental Review of Applied Mechanical Tests for Carbon Composites with Thermoplastic Polymer Matrix

This article has a theoretical and experimental character. It presents the characteristics of two main thermoplastics used in the aerospace industry – poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) and poly phenylene sulphide (PPS). The selected materials are compounds for the production of thermoplastic polymer matrix composites. The paper presents a literature review of the application of thermoplastic polymer matrix composite materials in aviation. Additionally, the paper focuses on the characteristics of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) which plays an important role in the production of aerospace components. Testing methods have been chosen on the basis of the type of composite matrix. The article contains the most important mechanical properties and general characteristics of thermoplastics used as a matrix for CFRP type composites used in the aerospace industry. Individual test procedures which allow for the evaluation of mechanical properties of composite materials on a thermoplastic polymer matrix, have been described. Mechanical tests such as static tensile test and bending of short beams were carried out in order to examine CFRP composites.