In this paper the decomposition of Victrex PEEK 150CA30, PEEK
filled with 30% carbon fibre, is carried out by using a co-solvent
system of ethanol and water at 623 K, the critical point of the
mixture. The decomposition is catalysed by the use of
30 mmol ml1, or less, of caesium carbonate Cs2CO3. There is a
synergistic effect of ethanol, water and Cs2CO3, the absence of any
one component is severely detrimental to the decomposition.