SIZING OF CARBON-FIBERS WITH AQUEOUS-SOLUTIONS OF POLY(VINYL PYROLLIDONE)

A sizing apparatus to coat carbon fibres with aqueous water-dispersibl e polymeric interphases was developed. The apparatus utilizes a high l evel of fibre spreading achieved through control of fibre tension and the application of rollers. A statistical process model was developed to relate the mean sizing level to the process independent variables. Pyrolysis in a nitrogen atmosphere was developed as a quantitative siz ing level determination technique for the polymer poly(vinyl pyrollido ne) (PVP). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the PVP was deposited on to the fibres in a highly uniform manner. The sizing proc ess along with the statistical process model and the characterization techniques allow for the precise development of interphase materials w hich are tailored for optimal composite performance. (C) 1998 Publishe d by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.