X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Studies of Carbon Fiber Surfaces. 24. Interfacial Interactions between Polyimide Resin and Electrochemically Oxidized PAN-Based Carbon Fibers

• Published in: Chemistry of materials Vol. 13; no. 5; pp. 1647 - 1655
• Main Authors: Viswanathan, Hema, Wang, Yu-Qing, Audi, Ahmad Ali, Allen, Philip J, Sherwood, Peter M. A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 21.05.2001
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Polyimide; Electrochemical treatment; Fiber reinforced material; Galvanostatic method; Photoelectron spectrometry; Oxidation; X ray; Experimental study; Composite material; Carbon fiber; Polymer filler interaction; Modified material
• ISSN: 0897-4756; 1520-5002
• DOI: 10.1021/cm000930h

The interfacial interaction between PAN-based IM7 carbon fibers and Avimid K3B, a thermoplastic polyimide resin was investigated using core and valence band X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The extent of interaction between the fiber and the matrix material has a significant effect on the strength of the ultimate composite. The fibers were treated to remove the surface treatment applied to the fibers by the manufacturer by resistive heating in a vacuum. The interaction of the detreated fiber, subjected to subsequent electrochemical treatment, with the resin was compared to the interaction of the commercially surface-treated fiber with the resin. Better interaction between the fiber and matrix was found in the case of the electrochemically surface-treated fiber than with a commercially surface-treated fiber, emphasizing the importance of tailoring the surface treatment to the matrix chemistry. Based on chemical shifts seen in the core region and differences in the valence band region, a reaction scheme is suggested for the possible interaction between the fiber and the resin.