SURFACE-ENERGY AND MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF PLASMA-MODIFIED CARBON-FIBERS

The surfaces of carbon fibers were treated by allylcyanide and xylene/ air/argon plasma polymers. The surfaces of untreated and treated fiber s were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Electron micrographs of the surface of carbon fibers showed that the surface striations and surface roughness were changed increasingly on the fiber surface afte r plasma treatment. Surface energy determinations of the fibers were c arried out from advancing contact angle measurements, together with te nsile testing of the single fibers. A qualitative agreement between an increase in the strength of the plasma-coated fibers and an increase in the surface energy of the fibers was observed.