USE OF POLYMER METAL-ION COMPLEXES TO IMPROVE CARBON-FIBER METAL-MATRIX COMPATIBILITY

Polycyanogen (PCN) and polyazomethine (PAZ) polymer complexes with alu minum or titanium chloride were used to coat carbon fibers. The goal w as to improve compatibility to metal while sustaining the mechanical s trength of the carbon fiber. The PCN and PAZ polymer complexes were di p coated onto the graphite fiber and then were carbonized by a series of heat treatments. The mechanical properties of the polymer-coated fi bers before and after further coating with aluminum were evaluated. Sc anning electron microscopy and wetting measurements using a Wilhelmy b alance were performed to assist in characterization of the coated fibe rs. It was found that this new method of coating provides enhanced wet tability by metal without any deterioration of the mechanical properti es of the carbon fiber.