The Influence of Surface Properties on Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Matrix Interfacial Adhesion

Abstract

Abstract The mechanical performance of composite materials depends not only on the matrix and the reinforcing fiber, but also to a great extent on the fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion. The focus of this work was to study carbon fiber surface chemical and physical properties and their effects on fiber/matrix adhesion. Untreated, commercially-surface-treated, and oxygen-plasma-treated PAN-based carbon fibers were used. SEM was used to examine the fiber surface topography. XPS was used to determine fiber surface chemistry. A two-liquid tensiometric method was conducted to determine fiber surface energy and its dispersive and polar components. Carbon fibers with varying surface properties were incorporated into epoxy matrices. Single fiber fragmentation tests were carried out to evaluate the strength as well as the temperature and humidity effects on interfacial adhesion. Commercially-treated carbon fibers having a higher surface oxygen content and a higher surface energy clearly produced superior interfacial adhesion, relative to untreated fibers. An even greater level of adhesion was achieved with oxygen-plasma-treated fibers. Fiber surface roughness improved durability under elevated temperature and relative humidity conditions. The presence of sodium on the fiber surface dramatically decreased durability at high relative humidity.