Fiber/matrix bonding polymer composites

It is well understood that proper fiber-matrix bonding is crucial to the performance of flax composites (Mustata 1997). This drawback is due to the hydrophilic nature of flax, caused by the hydroxyl groups in the fiber s cellulose and lignin (Nevel and Zeronian 1987), and resultant poor interaction with polymers, which... 

The chemical composition of the composite constituents and the interphase is not limited to any particular material class. There are metal-matrix, ceramic-matrix, and polymer-matrix composites, all of which find industrially relevant applications. Similarly, reinforcements in important commercial composites are made of such materials as steel. E-glass, and Kevlar . Many times a bonding agent is added to the fibers prior to compounding to create an interphase of a specified chemistry. We will describe specific component chemistries in subsequent sections. 

The high strength of polymer composites is dependent on a transfer of external stress from the resin matrix to the fiber or filler. The efficiency of this transfer is dependent on the strength of the interfacial bond between the... 

Thermoplastic polymers that have the necessary requirements to qualify as a matrix in composite structural components (for example, solvent resistance, high modulus, high glass transition, and good fracture energy) tend to exhibit poor adhesion to carbon fibers. The weakness of this fiber-matrix interface results in a composite that may be unacceptable in its final performance. The question of why this bond is weak and concern for quantifying the relationship with respect to adhesion led to the current investigation. 

---