Advanced carbon fibre composites via poly methacrylic acid surface treatment; surface analysis and mechanical properties investigation

In the present study the enhancement of fibre-matrix interfacial strength in carbon fibre composites was investigated via the electro-polymerization of poly methacrylic acid on commercially available carbon fibre fabrics. The surface modification of the fabrics was examined by means of Infrared (IR) and X-Ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy whereas the surface morphology was studied via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy(AFM). The wetting properties of the modified carbon fibres were investigated via contact angle measurements in single fibre and bundle specimens. For the mechanical performance assessment carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) were prepared, via the vacuum resin infusion technique, using both modified and pristine fabrics and subsequently tested via macro scale mechanical testing. All modified composite specimens exhibited increased mechanical performance whereas the most optimum result was reported in Interlaminar Shear Strength (ILSS).