Effect of <scp>SDS</scp> and <scp>PVP</scp> Surfactants on the Stability of Water‐Based <scp>PEKK</scp> Suspension and Mechanical Properties of <scp>CF</scp> / <scp>PEKK</scp> Prepreg Tapes

ABSTRACT The preparation of carbon fiber reinforced polyetherketoneketone (CF/PEKK) prepreg tapes using water‐based solvents instead of the traditional flammable and explosive alcohol solvent system is a green, safe, and challenging task. In this study, the water‐based PEKK suspension stabilized by the synergy of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was used to prepare CF/PEKK prepreg tapes. The effect of SDS and PVP surfactants on the stability of the water‐based PEKK suspension and the mechanical properties of CF/PEKK prepreg tapes was investigated. The results showed that SDS and PVP significantly enhanced PEKK wetting performance, achieving the optimal suspension stability at 1 wt% SDS and 0.5 wt% PVP with a stirring rate of 600 rpm. The tensile strength of CF/PEKK prepreg tape prepared using the optimal suspension solution reached 1601 MPa, which was 24.8% and 13.7% higher than that of the systems using SDS and PVP alone, and 4.6% higher than that of the traditional ethanol‐based system. This water‐based PEKK suspension presents a promising approach for manufacturing high‐performance CF/PEKK prepreg tapes and promotes the industrial application of thermoplastic composites.