Optimum dispersion conditions and interfacial modification of carbon fiber and CNT–phenolic composites by atmospheric pressure plasma treatment

Electric resistance measurements were used to determine the optimal dispersion conditions for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in phenolic resins. Plasma treatment is frequently used to modify carbon fiber surfaces to improve adhesion of the fibers to matrices. Such treatment might also influence carbon fiber tensile strength. In order to determine the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on carbon fiber tensile strength and interfacial bonding strength, change in tensile strength of the fiber was studied at different gage lengths before and after the plasma treatment. The wettability of carbon fibers was improved significantly after only 10s of plasma treatment. Such plasma treatment resulted in a decrease in the advancing contact angle from 65° to 28°. Surface energies of carbon fiber and CNT–phenolic composites were measured using the Wilhelmy plate technique, indicating that the work of adhesion between plasma treated carbon fibers and CNT–phenolic composites was higher than it before plasma modification. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and apparent modulus were also increased by plasma treatment of the carbon fibers.