| abstract |
The thermoplastic composites and corresponding methods of manufacture and articles described herein are thermoplastic composites comprising a polymer matrix having at least one semi-crystalline polyphthalamide ("PPA") polymer and at least one Continuous reinforcement fibers. It has been unexpectedly found that incorporating a semi-crystalline PPA polymer with selected melt characteristics into a polymer matrix provides a crack-free thermoplastic composite. Thermoplastic composites based at least in part on the semi-crystalline structure of PPA polymers can have improved tensile strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability relative to composites incorporating amorphous PPA polymers. These composite materials can be formed using melt impregnation techniques well known in the art. These composite materials can be desirably used in a wide range of application environments, including but not limited to automotive, aerospace, automotive and oil and gas, and mobile electronics applications. |