Preparation and erosion-corrosion behavior of polyetheretherketone (PEEK)/nickel foam co-continuous composites

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)/Ni foam co-continuous composites were designed and prepared via the hot pressing technique, and their erosion-corrosion behaviors were evaluated using an impinging jet apparatus in 1% H2SO4 and 5% silica sand with a flow rate of 30 m/s. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to describe the damage morphologies. A strong combination was shown between Ni foam and PEEK in the composites. PEEK was reinforced with Ni foam, and the erosion-corrosion resistance of the composites increased with the decreasing density and pore size of Ni foam. Volume loss under normal impact was higher than that under oblique impact.