A feasibility study on direct measurements of interaction forces between carbon fiber surfaces and other substances

Abstract

Mechanical properties of carbon fiber (CF) reinforced plastic composites are influenced by physicochemical interactions between CF surfaces and matrix polymers. Poor interfacial adhesion between CF surfaces and matrix polymer molecules caused by inertness of graphitic carbon still remains to be solved. Deeper comprehension of the interfacial properties would promote advancement of technologies enhancing the physicochemical interactions. Versatile methods for evaluation of CF surface properties along with interactions at the CF/polymer interface are required. In the present paper, we propose a method to measure interaction forces between CF surfaces and other substances with the aid of atomic force microscope (AFM). Small CF chips were mounted on AFM cantilevers to measure forces between the CF chip surfaces and other materials. Interaction forces between CF chips with/without ultraviolet generated ozone (UV-ozone) treatment and epoxy precursor molecules were monitored. It has been widely accepted that the UV-ozone treated CF surfaces exhibit superior affinity to organic molecules. Results of the interaction force measurements were consistent with the knowledge. This is the first paper reporting direct measurement of interaction forces between CF surfaces and other substances.

Recent advancements in interface engineering of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites and their durability studies at different service temperatures

“…The critical fields which use composites include structural applications like aerospace, automobile, and the civil industries and functional applications such as gas separation, and packaging, due to which in recent times researchers have taken to experimentation of new composite formulations for better understanding of interactions amongst phases. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Composite materials not only preserve the inherent properties of their constituents but also accentuate their individual properties via combination. [25,26] For fulfilling the need for materials that match or surpass the mechanical properties of traditional structural materials like metals but are lightweight, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been extensively used.…”

“…The critical fields which use composites include structural applications like aerospace, automobile, and the civil industries and functional applications such as gas separation, and packaging, due to which in recent times researchers have taken to experimentation of new composite formulations for better understanding of interactions amongst phases. [ 16–24 ]…”

Computational prediction of microstructures in α‐alumina/PMMA composites and its experimental verification

“…In the processor, solid surfaces are oxidized by ozone generated from atmospheric oxygen and UV light. [42,43] By the UV-ozone treatment, we etched the PMMA matrix, aiming to bare the α-alumina particles. The samples for SEM were coated with platinum to minimize charging artifacts.…”