EFFECT OF ELECTROLYTIC OXIDATION UPON THE SURFACE-CHEMISTRY OF TYPE-ACARBON-FIBERS .3. CHEMICAL-STATE, SOURCE AND LOCATION OF SURFACE NITROGEN

High energy resolution XPS and high mass resolution TOF SIMS have been used to probe the surface chemistry of type A carbon fibres. Four com ponents have been identified within the XPS N1s envelope through a ran ge of ammonium bicarbonate electrolytic oxidation levels. These peaks were assigned to amide, aza, imide and protonated amine functionalitie s. The amide is identified as the major nitrogen functionality introdu ced by electrolytic oxidation, and analysis of a model carbon (pyrolyt ic graphite) surface has shown the electrolyte to be the source. The d istribution of the nitrogen and oxygen within the surface (5 nm) of th e fibre is qualitatively determined using angle-resolved XPS. The impl ication upon possible adhesion mechanisms between fibre and epoxy resi n are considered using this new information. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevi er Science Ltd