Influence of the fiber surface properties on the mechanical strength of unidirectional fiber composites

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The influence of the thermodynamic adhesion between fibers and matrix on the mechanical properties of a continuous fiber reinforced composite is studied for two systems: carbon fiber reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) and glass fiber reinforced poly(ether imide). The fibers are modified chemically and characterized by measuring the contact angle formed by molten resin on the fibers. Various fiber treatments yield a wide range of contact angles, which are determined optically. Unidirectional fiber reinforced laminates are manufactured and transverse flexural strength is measured with the values reported as a function of the specific work of adhesion. It is shown that adhesion at the fiber-resin interface correlates with both the composite strength and the void morphology within the laminate after consolidation.