Inherent sensing and interfacial evaluation of fiber reinforced CNT-phenolic nanocomposites with plasma surface modification

Abstract

Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on carbon nanotube (CNT) surfaces was performed to modify reinforcement effect and interfacial adhesion of carbon fiber reinforced CNT-phenolic composites. The surface changes occurring on CNT treated with plasma were analyzed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FT-IR). The significant improvement of wettability on CNT was confirmed by static contact angle test after plasma treatment. Such plasma treatment resulted in a decrease in the advancing contact angle from 118° to 60°. The interfacial adhesion between carbon fiber and CNT-phenolic composites was increased by plasma treatment based on apparent modulus test results. Acoustic emission (AE) and electrical resistance measurement were used for investigating the different failure modes in dual matrix specimens system during quasistatic tensile strength. Furthermore, the proposed database offers valuable knowledge for evaluation of interfacial shear strength (IFSS). Copyright © (2012) by Asian-Australasian Association for Composite Materials (AACM).