A REVIEW OF METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE INTERFACIAL ADHESION BETWEEN CARBON-FIBER AND POLYMER MATRIX

The interfacial properties between carbon fibers and surrounding matri x of a composite are drastically affected by interfacial structure. Th is structure mainly relates to the surface physico-chemistry of the fi ber, which includes its surface chemical groups and microstructure, mo rphology, surface area, and surface free energy. These properties can be changed by various surface treatments, including various dry and we t oxidation steps, plasma treatment, electrodischarge, and fiber sizin g or coating. These methods improve the interfacial properties signifi cantly and synergistically, although each treatment has its specific a pplication area.