Tailoring the surface chemistry of carbon fiber and E‐glass composites for improved adhesion

Abstract

The main challenges in the manufacture of composite materials are low surface energy and the presence of silicon-containing contaminants, both of which greatly reduce surface adhesive strength. In this study, carbon fiber (CF) and E-glass epoxy resin composites were surface treated with the Accelerated Thermo-molecular adhesion Process (ATmaP). ATmaP is a multiaction surface treatment process where tailored nitrogen and oxygen functionalities are generated on the surface of the sample through the vaporization and atomization of n-methylpyrrolidone solution, injected via specially designed flame-treatment equipment. The treated surfaces of the polymer composites were analyzed using XPS, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), contact angle (CA) analysis and direct adhesion measurements. ATmaP treatment increased the surface concentration of polar functional groups while reducing surface contamination, resulting in increased adhesion strength. XPS and ToF-SIMS showed a significant decrease in silicon-containing species on the surface after ATmaP treatment. E-glass composite showed higher adhesion strength than CF composite, correlating with higher surface energy, higher concentrations of nitrogen and C O functional groups (from XPS) and higher concentrations of oxygen and nitrogen-containing functional groups (particularly C 2 H 3 O + and C 2 H 5 NO + molecular ions, from ToF-SIMS).

Investigation on pull‐out behavior and interface critical parameters of polymer fibers embedded in concrete and their correlation with particular fiber properties

“…These effects are necessary to achieve high composite strengths. Mäder et al, 43 Jung et al, 44 and Gilbert et al 45 showed that polarity modified polymer matrices create stronger bonds with inorganic fibers (e.g., glass fiber).…”

Hydrogels for underwater adhesion: adhesion mechanism, design strategies and applications

“…5 In contrast, glass typically has a lower surface energy, making it easier to release from the mold aer fabrication. 68 Therefore, the adhesion strength of the hydrogel to the glass surface is low. Similarly, plastics are also a class of materials with low surface energy, 69,70 especially polytetra-uoroethylene, which adhesives nd difficult to adhere to.…”

Characterization of polymeric surfaces and interfaces using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry

“…Another approach to alter the surface chemistry of the individual parts is postcure processing. Gilbert et al modified the surfaces of carbon fiber and E‐glass epoxy resin composites with an Accelerated Thermo‐molecular adhesion Process (ATmaP) 123 . ATmaP atomizes N‐methylpyrrolidone liquid and then vaporizes it, resulting in a surface reaction that increases the concentration of polar functional groups and also decreases contamination.…”

“…Gilbert et al modified the surfaces of carbon fiber and E-glass epoxy resin composites with an Accelerated Thermo-molecular adhesion Process (ATmaP). 123 ATmaP atomizes N-methylpyrrolidone liquid and then vaporizes it, resulting in a surface reaction that increases the concentration of polar functional groups and also decreases contamination. ToF-SIMS analysis of treated and untreated samples detected approximately 20 distinct mass fragments (positive ion mode).…”