Application of plasma technology to improve the mechanical properties of carbon fiber composite

The objectives of this research were to assess the effect of oxygen plasma treatment on properties of carbon fibers and interfacial adhesion behavior between the carbon fibers and epoxy resin. The adhesion between the carbon fiber and matrix was examined by interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). Furthermore, carbon fibers were characterized by Raman spectroscopy analysis and tensile strength test. It was observed that the composites produced from plasma treated carbon fiber have higher ILSS compared with untreated fibers, However long exposure times could partly damage the surface of carbon fibers and decrease the tensile strength of filaments and ILSS of treated fiber composites.

Keywords:

plasma , adhesion , composite , carbon fiber , surface treatment