TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

APC-2-PEEK THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER

APC-2-PEEK Thermoplastic Polymer

DESCRIPTION
Cytec Engineered Materials APC-2 composites have a thermoplastic matrix of poly(ether-ether-ketone) commonly referred to
as PEEK. The polymer is semi-crystalline with a glass transition temperature of 289F (143C).* Composites can be used in
lightly loaded applications at temperatures up to 500F (260C) due to the semi-crystalline nature of the polymer. The
composites possess excellent environmental resistance, toughness and fir resistant properties.
APC-2 prepreg can be stored at ambient conditions and has an indefinite shelf life. APC02 composites retain good mechanical
properties at cryogenic temperatures. The excellent composite properties result from the PEEK matrix, the full wetting and
tailored fiber matrix interface achieved in the impregnation process.
Laminates and parts can be fabricated from APC-2 using a wide range of processes from autoclave consolidation to rapid
stamping techniques. The prepreg may also be filament wound and tape-placed using in-situ consolidation. This wide range
of processing techniques may be used because of the thermoplastic nature of the polymer and the full wetting of the fibers
in the prepreg.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

Semi-crystalline, thermoplastic matrix
Fully impregnated, unidirectional prepreg
Large database
Very high toughness and damage tolerance
Tg of 289F (143C). Service temperature up to 500F (260C) depending on stress conditions*
Excellent environmental resistance
Good resistance to creep and fatigue
Outstanding fire resistance
Very good wear resistance
Processed using a wide range of fabrication techniques at 720F (382C)
Indefinite shelf life at ambient conditions

SUGGESTED APPLICATIONS
Typical applications for Cytec Engineered Materials APC-2 include aircraft structure, space components and other structural
engineering components

*NOTE: Tg data is not applicable for U.S. export control classification or licensing.
For export-related information please contact us.

www.cytec.com

CHARACTERISTICS
Table 1 | Typical Polymer Properties for PEEK
Property

Room Temperature

250 F (121 C)

250 F (121 C) wet

Tensile Strength, ksi (MPa)

14.5 (100)

8.5 (58)

8.5 (58)

Tensile Modulus, Msi (GPa)

0.52 (3.6)

0.49 (3.4)

0.49 (3.4)

70

70

70

Failure Strain , %
Flexural Strength, ksi (MPa)

Flexural Modulus, Msi (GPa)

24.7(170)

14.5(100)

14.5(100)

0.59 (4.1)

0.58 (4.0)

0.58 (4.0)

Tg, F(C) *

289 (143)

Density, g/cc

1.32

Yield value at >5% strain

* NOTE: Tg data is not applicable for U.S. export control classification or licensing.
For export-related information please contact us.

PROPERTIES
Table 2 | Mechanical properties: High strength [>500 ksi (3447 MPa)] standard modulus [33 Msi (228 GPa) class] carbon
fiber reinforced unidirectional tape. Typical Cytec Engineered Materials product code: APC-2/AS4
Test Temperature
Mechanical Properties

180 F (82 C)

180 F (82 C)
wet

250 F
(121 C)

250 F
(121 C) wet

295 (2030)
20 (138)

295 (2030)
20 (138)

290 (2000)
20 (138)
1.35

290 (2000)
20 (138)

180 (1250)
18 (124)

180 (1250)
18 (124)

170 (1170)
18 (124)

170 (1170)
18 (124)

290 (2000)
18 (124)

270 (1860)
18 (124)

270 (1860)
18 (124)

257 (1770)
18 (124)

257 (1770)
18 (124)

14 (99)
1.5 (10.3)
0.94

13 (86)
1.5 (10.3)
0.88

12 (83)
1.4 (9.6)
0.86

30 (207)
0.92 (6.3)

27 (186)
0.82 (5.7)

23 (159)
-

24 (166)
0.74 (5.1)

21 (145)
-

Open Hole Tension

Strength, ksi (MPa)

56 (386)

Open Hole Compression

Strength, ksi (MPa)

47 (324)

42 (290)

41 (283)

38 (262)

37 (255)

-67 F ( -55 C)

75 F (24 C)

300 (2070)
20 (138)
1.45
0.30

300 (2070)
20 (138)
1.45
0.30

220 (1520)
19 (131)

197 (1360)
18 (124)

0 Flexural Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)

90 Tensile Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)
Failure strain, %

0 Tensile Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)
Failure strain, %
Poissons ratio
0 Compressive
Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)

In -plane Shear
Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)

Property values listed are typical for laminates with 60% fiber volume. Wet = water immersion for 14 days at 160F (71C)

Table 3 | Toughness Properties: High strength [>500 ksi (3447 MPa) standard modulus [33 Msi (228 GPa) class] carbon fiber
reinforced unidirectional tape
Typical Cytec Engineered Materials product code: APC-2/AS4
Test Temperature

Toughness Property

-67 F ( -55 C)

75 F (24 C)

49 (338)

8.6 (1.5)

9.7 (1.7)

10.3 (1.8)

11.4 (2.0)

Compression after impact

Strength after 1500 in-lb/in (6.67 J/mm) impact, ksi
(MPa)
Interlaminar fracture toughness
2

Mode I GIC, in-lb/in (kJ/m )

2

Mode II GIIC, in-lb/in (kJ/m )

Property values listed are typical for laminates with 60% fiber volume

Table 4 | Mechanical Properties: High strength [> 750 ksi (5170 MPa) intermediate modulus [40 Msi (276 GPa) class] carbon
fiber reinforced unidirectional tape
Typical Cytec Engineered Materials product code: APC-2/IM7
Test Temperature
Mechanical Properties
-67 F ( -55 C)

75 F (24 C)

25 0F
(177 C)

25 0F
(177 C) wet

410 (2830)
25 (172)
1.5
0.26

420 (2900)
25 (172)
1.5
0.27

400 (2760)
25 (172)
1.4
0.30

220 (1510)
22 (152)

190 (1310)
22 (152)

170 (1170)
21 (145)

170 (1170)
21 (145)

0 Flexural Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)

350 (2410)
23 (159)

315 (2170)
23 (159)

260 (1790)
22 (152)

260 (1790)
22 (152)

90 Tensile Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)

9.2 (63)
1.6 (11)

8.7 (60)
1.5 (10)

7.0 (48)
1.2 (8.3)

90 Flextural Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)

16 (110)
1.4 (9.7)

15 (103)
1.4 (9.7)

13 (90)
1.1 (7.6)

13 (90)
1.1 (7.6)

0 Tensile Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)
Failure strain, %
Poissons ratio
0 Compressive
Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)

Data continues in Table 5

Property values listed are typical for laminates with 60% fiber volume
Wet = water immersion for 14 days at 160F (71C)

Table 5 | Mechanical Properties: High strength [> 750 ksi (5170 MPa) intermediate modulus [40 Msi (276 GPa) class]
carbon fiber reinforced unidirectional tape, continued
Typical Cytec Engineered Materials product code: APC-2/IM7
Test Temperature
Mechanical Properties

-67 F
(-55C)

75 F (24 C)

250 F
(177 C)

250 F
(177 C) wet

In -plane Shear Properties

Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)

28 (193)
0.86 (5.9)

26 (179)
0.80 (5.5)

20 (138)
0.52 (3.6)

19 (131)
0.40 (2.8)

Open Hole Tension

Strength, ksi (MPa)

74 (510)

69 (476)

66 (455)

63 (434)

Open Hole Compression

Strength, ksi (MPa)

50 (345)

47 (324)

38 (262)

36 (248)

53 (366)

9.2 (1.6)
12 (2.1)

13 (2.3)
11 (1.9)

Compression after impact

Strength after 1500 in-lb/in (6.67 J/mm) impact, ksi
(MPa)
Interlaminar fracture toughness
2

Mode I GIC, in-lb/in (kJ/m )

2

Mode II GIIC, in-lb/in (kJ/m )

Property values listed are typical for laminates with 60% fiber volume
Wet = water immersion for 14 days at 160F (71C)

Table 6 | Mechanical Properties: S-2 glass fiber reinforced unidirectional tape

Typical Cytec Engineered Materials product code: APC-2/S-2 glass
Mechanical Properties

75 F (24 C)

250 F (121 C)

250 F (121 C)
wet

0 Tensile Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)

170 (1170)

165 (1140)

150 (1030)

8.0 (55)

8.0 (55)

8.0 (55)

0 Compressive Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)

160 (1100)

150 (1030)

8.0 (55)

0 Flexural Properties
Strength, ksi (MPa)
Modulus, Msi (GPa)

225 (1551)

8.0 (55)

Property values listed are typical for laminates with 60% fiber volume
Wet = water immersion for 14 days at 160F (71C)

Table 7 | Dielectric Properties: Tested according to ASTM D 150 at 1 MHz at room temperature
Dielectric constant
Loss tangent

4.60
< 0.001

APPLICATION NOTES
Autoclave Consolidation
The recommended lay-up for autoclave consolidation is shown in Figure 1. Recommended cure cycle for autoclave
consolidation is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1 | Recommended Lay-up for Autoclave Consolidation

BAGGING FILM

3-6 LAYERS OF
120 TO 181 STYLE GLASS
2-6 LAYERS OF
1000 OR 181 STYLE GLASS

TREATED RELEASE FILM(1)

PRESSURE PLATE

PREPREG

DAMS

PICTURE FRAME
A800 OR EQUIV.

TOOL

C-CLAM(2)

THERMOCOUPLES
VACUUM PORT
G FILM: CAPABLE OF 720 F SERVICE
BAGGING
(KAPTON, UPILEX, OR EQUIVALENT, 2-3 MLS THICK)
RE PLATE: STAINLESS, TITANIUM, OR ALUMINUM, 005 TO .25 THICK
PRESSURE
TAINLESS OR AL DAMS MIN. 0.05 HIGHER THAN EXPECTED LAMINATE THICKNESS.
DAMS: STAINLESS
THE GAP BETWEEN THE LAYUP AND DAMS SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.25
NOTES:
1. THE RELEASE FILM CAN BE KAPTON, UPILEX, OR SOFT ALUMINUM FOIL TREATED WITH
HIGH TEMPERATURE RELEASE COATING (PREKOTE 44 OR EQUIVALENT).
THE AL FOIL (TYPE 0, 7-10 MILSTHICK) IS RECOMMNDED FOR BEST SURFACE FINISH.
2. 5 C-CLAMPS RECOMMENDED ALONG 6 FT. TOOL DIMENSION, AND 3 C-CLAMPS
RECOMMENDED ALONG THE 3 FT. DIMENSION.
(IE. TOTAL OF 12 CLAMPS FOR 6 FT. X 3 FT. FLAT TOOL)

Figure 2 | Recommended Cure Cycle for Autoclave Consolidation

Hold at
735 15F, 100 5 psi
for 20 5 minutes
(temperature based on
lagging thermocouple)

800

Dow
n at

Hea
t-up
at a
ny
ra

400

ute
/min
00 F

te

1-13

Temperature, Degrees F

Cool

600

Maintain 100 5psi

until below 200 F
(Temperature based on
lagging thermocouple)

200

Time
Apply full vacuum and maintain throughout cycle

Press Molding
The recommended lay-up for press molding is shown in Figure 3. Recommended cure cycle for press molding is shown in
Figure 4. For transfer press molding, the recommended cure cycle is shown in figure 5

Figure 3 | Recommended Lay-up for Press Molding

ALUMINUM FOIL

PRESS PLATEN

GRAPHITE SHIM
ALUMINUM FOIL
OPTIONAL
ALUMINUM FOIL (TREATED)
CAUL PLATE
PICTURE FRAME
OR DAMS (TREATED)
ALUMINUM FOIL (TREATED)
PREPREG

CAUL PLATE

PRESS PLATEN

ALUMINUM FOIL: 0.006 0.008 FOIL

CAUL PLATES: 0.090 0.250 STAINLESS STEEL
RELEASE TREATMENT: FREEKOTE 44 OR EQUIVALENT
GRAPHITE SHIM: FLEXICARB NR OR EQUIVALENT
PICTURE FRAME: STAINLESS STEEL THICKNESS MUST BE 0.001 0.010 THINNER
THAN LAMINATE CONSOLIDATED PLY THICKNESS
USE OF THE GRAPHITE SHIM ACCOMMODATES SLIGHT VARIATIONS IN PLATEN ALIGNMENT

Figure 4 | Recommended Cure Cycle for Press Molding

Consolidate at
735 15F, 200 100 psi
for 10 5 minutes
(Temperature based on
lagging thermocouple)

800

Dow
ute 2
/min
00 F

Hea
t-up
70
at a
p si
ny
as c
rate
ont
act
pre
ssu
re

1-13
si
50 p
50

u se

400

n at

Temperature, Degrees F

Cool

600

200

Time
Platens to be pre-heated to 735 F and laminate placed between platens.

Figure 5 | Recommended Cure Cycle for Transfer Press Molding

800

Hea
t-up
70
at a
psi
ny
as c
rate
ont
act
pre
ssu
re

400

Hold at
400 20 F, 250 50 psi
for 10 5 minutes
(Temperature based on
lagging thermocouple)

use

Temperature, Degrees F

600

200

Remove laminate or cool at any rate

Transfer to second press

Consolidate at
735 15F, 200 100 psi
for 10 5 minutes
(Temperature based on
lagging thermocouple)

Time
Platens to be pre-heated to 735 F and laminate placed between platens.

PRODUCT HANDLING AND SAFETY

Cytec Engineered Materials recommends wearing clean, impervious gloves when working with BMI resin systems to reduce
skin contact and to avoid contamination of the product.
Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and product labels are available upon request and can be obtained from any Cytec
Engineered Materials Office.

DISPOSAL OF SCRAP MATERIAL

Disposal of scrap material should be in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

CONTACT INFORMATION
GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS for AEROSPACE MATERIALS
Tempe, Arizona
tel
480.730.2000
fax
480.730.2088
email custinfo@cytec.com
NORTH AMERICA
Anaheim, California
tel 714.630.9400
fax 714.666.4345

Greenville, Texas
tel 903.457.8500
fax 903.457.8598

Havre de Grace, Maryland

tel 410.939.1910
fax 410.939.8100

Orange, California
tel 714.639.2050
fax 714.532.4096

Winona, Minnesota
tel 507.454.3611
fax 507.452.8195

D Aircraft Products
Anaheim, California
tel 714.632.8444
fax 714.632.7164

Cytec Carbon Fiber

Piedmont, South Carolina
tel 864.277.5720
fax 864.299.9373
EUROPE
Wrexham, United Kingdom
tel +44 1978.665200
fax +44 1978.665222

stringen, Germany
tel +49 7253.934111
fax +49 7253.934102

ASIA
Shanghai, China
tel +86 21.5746.8018
fax +86 21.5746.8038
DISCLAIMER: The data and information provided in this document have been obtained from carefully controlled samples and are considered to be representative of the product described.
Cytec Engineered Materials (Cytec) does not express or imply any guarantee or warranty of any kind including, but not limited to, the accuracy, the completeness or the relevance of the data
and information set out herein. Because the properties of this product can be significantly affected by the fabrication and testing techniques employed, and since Cytec does not control the
conditions under which its products are tested and used, Cytec cannot guarantee the properties provided will be obtained with other processes and equipment. No guarantee or warranty is
provided that the product is adapted for a specific use or purpose. Cytec declines any liability with respect to the use made by any third party of the data and information contained herein.
Cytec has the right to change any data or information when deemed appropriate.
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