Pushing the Boundaries of Manufacturing with TiB₂-Reinforced CF-PEEK Composites 

Dr. Pulla Sammaiah

Professor, Center for Materials & Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, SR University, Warangal 

A Major Advancement for Aerospace, Defence & High-Performance Engineering

The need for lightweight, durable, and thermally stable materials is rapidly growing across aerospace, defence, automotive, and industrial sectors. Among the latest breakthroughs is the TiB₂-reinforced CF-PEEK composite, a hybrid material that combines:

v Carbon Fiber – Exceptional stiffness and mechanical strength

v  PEEK Polymer – Superior thermal, chemical, and electrical properties

v Titanium Diboride (TiB₂) – Excellent hardness, wear resistance, and high-temperature performance

Together, these reinforcements create a next-generation composite capable of excelling in extreme and high-temperature environments.

�� How This Advanced Composite Is Manufactured

The fabrication process involves several precision-engineered steps to ensure uniform reinforcement and enhanced material performance:

1️. Cryomilling

CF-PEEK granules are cryogenically milled using liquid nitrogen, producing ultra-fine powders without heat-induced degradation. This ensures consistent dispersion and improved strength.

2️. High-Speed Stirring

The cryomilled powder is blended with TiB₂ nanoparticles, enabling uniform particle distribution crucial for mechanical stability and wear resistance.

3️. Oven Drying & Extrusion

Moisture is eliminated, and the material is extruded under controlled conditions to ensure strong molecular bonding and high-quality pellets.

4️. Compression Molding

The composite mixture is molded under high pressure and temperature, forming dense, void-free components with superior mechanical integrity.

��️ Potential Applications

Thanks to their combined thermal and mechanical advantages, TiB₂-reinforced CF-PEEK composites are ideal for:

✨ Aerospace structural parts
✨ High-temperature fasteners and brackets
✨ Defence and high-wear components
✨ Industrial thermal-resistant assemblies
✨ Lightweight components for extreme environments

This innovation marks a significant leap toward more efficient, resilient, and high-performance engineering solutions.


 

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