Abstract
The creep properties of AS-4/PEEK [ ± 45] 4S laminated composites have been investigated. The temperature dependence of the viscoelastic behavior of the matrix composite and the bulk resin was studied by dynamic mechanical analysis. The tensile properties were measured at elevated temperature. The tensile failure morphology at elevated temperature was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The accelerated characterization of the creep response due to the effect of temperature and stress was studied. Short-term creep tests were performed at various stress levels and at elevated temperatures. The creep strain data were fitted by using the Findley equation. It was found that results predicted by the Findley equation showed good agreement with the experimental data. Coupling with the Findley equation, a master curve was constructed by using the time-temperature-stress superposition principle (TTSSP) with a reference condition at 85°C and 94.38 MPa. From the short-term creep test obtained after 600 min, a smooth master curve was obtained by the proposed procedure of accelerated characterization and a creep strain of 10 6.29 min can be predicted. © 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.