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The influence of processing, chemistry, and interphase microstructure on the adhesion of carbon fibers to thermoset and thermoplastic matrices

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5385960

The adhesion of surface-treated PAN-based carbon fibers to DGEBA epoxy, a thermoset polymer, BPA-polycarbonate, an amorphous thermoplastic, and Nylon 6,6, a semicrystalline thermoplastic was investigated with an integrated set of surface analysis and mechanical tests. Intermediate modulus Hercules IM6 carbon fibers with different amounts of electrochemical oxidative surface treatment were subjected to XPS surface composition analysis and micro-Wilhelmy surface energy measurements. Increasing surface treatment increased surface oxygen, polar surface free energy, and interfacial shear strength. Mode 2 fracture toughness increased with increasing treatment, and with sizing. Carbon-fiber adhesion to thermoplastic matrices was investigated with the single fiber fragmentation test. Carbon-fiber adhesion to Lexan was found to reach a limiting value, regardless of processing. Carbon-fiber adhesion to Nylon 6,6 increased with development of a transcrystalline sheath and with fiber surface treatment.

Research Organization:
Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI (United States)
OSTI ID:
5385960
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English