Epoxy Resin Composites with Surface Modified Aramid Fibres

Abstract

Surface modified aramid fibres, after treatment in oxygen plasma and coating with novolac resin, were used for the preparation of reinforced epoxy specimens. The flexural properties of these specimens were determined and the results are discussed taking into consideration the surface characteristics of the modified fibres, as derived from pullout tests and contact angle measurements. Micrographs were also made to provide an additional support to the experimental data of this work. It was shown that both investigated techniques for modifying aramid fibres are adequate to promote their interfacial adhesive bonding to epoxy matrices due to the surface roughness and chemical affinity to the epoxy resin. Coating with novolac seemed a very interesting process since it is a simple and cheap technique and does not affect the fibre integrity.