FIBER MATRIX MECHANICAL INTERACTION IN CARBON FIBER/BISMALEIMIDE MODEL COMPOSITES/

The fiber/matrix interaction of high modulus (M40) and intermediate mo dulus (T800) carbon fibers with a bismaleimide resin has been studied by means of three micromechanical techniques involving a single fiber, namely, fragmentation, Raman spectroscopy, and pullout. A number of c hemical treatments aimed at improving the fiber/matrix stress transfer at elevated temperature were tested. The stress transfer proved to be reduced by the temperature in the same way for all interfacial condit ions. The limitations to the micromechanical characterization of model composites in temperature are emphasized.