MODIFICATION OF THE CARBON-FIBER SURFACE WITH A COPPER COATING FOR COMPOSITE-MATERIALS WITH EPOXY

Surface treatment of carbon fibers is essential to provide adequate in terfacial interaction, and strength in carbon fiber/epoxy composites. The electrodeposition of a metallic copper coating on the carbon fiber surface has been examined as an alternative method to improve carbon fiber-epoxy interfacial properties. The wettability of the carbon fibe r by the epoxy resin was improved as a result of copper electrodeposit ion. As a consequence, the adhesion between the carbon fiber and epoxy was also greatly improved by the surface electrolytic treatment used. The electrodeposition conditions affected significantly both wettabil ity and adhesion phenomena. The electrolytic current had a strong effe ct on the interface performance. It was found that there was an interm ediate electrolytic current, within the range used, which promoted bet ter wetting and composite strength, compared with conventionally surfa ce-oxidized carbon fibers.