Evaluation of interfacial properties of atmospheric pressure plasma-treated CNT-phenolic composites by dual matrix fragmentation and acoustic emission tests

초록

A novel process of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment was performed, on powdered carbon nanotube (CNT) in water, to modify reinforcing effects and interfacial adhesion in carbon fiber reinforced CNT-phenolic composites. The change in chemical functional groups, as result of the plasma-treatment, was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. A significant enhancement in the wettability of plasma-treated CNT was also confirmed by static contact angle measurements. The advancing contact angle indicated a change in the surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. The interfacial adhesion between the carbon fibers and the plasma-treated CNT-phenolic matrix also improved, as evidenced by an increase in the apparent modulus. Due to the brittle nature of the phenolic matrix, dual matrix composites (DMC) were used in a modified fragmentation test. The different microfailure modes (phenolic matrix cracking and carbon fiber breaking) were investigated by acoustic emission and electrical resistance measurements. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

키워드